Full Inspection of High-Performance Compressor Crankshafts

Full Inspection of High-Performance Compressor Crankshafts

Application Overview

The crankshaft is a core component of air compressors, directly impacting performance, operational stability, and energy efficiency. A typical compressor crankshaft consists of three critical cylindrical sections: the main shaft (long), the pin shaft (short), and the eccentric section. The dimensional and geometric tolerances of these sections are crucial for reliable operation.

Traditionally, such complex geometries could only be measured in a laboratory using CMMs, roundness testers, and concentricity gauges. This approach required transporting parts, waiting for measurements, and greatly reduced production efficiency and responsiveness. On the shop floor, only external diameters were measured using air gauges, and critical values like cylindricity, concentricity, and eccentricity had to be indirectly estimated.

With increasing demand for high-efficiency, energy-saving compressors, implementing inline full inspection of crankshaft geometry has become essential for modern production lines.

Inspection Challenges

• Crankshafts have complex, multi-cylinder and eccentric structures, which are difficult to measure quickly using traditional tools
• CMMs and roundness instruments require offline measurement, making them unsuitable for high-throughput production environments
• Inline inspection is often limited to external diameter checks only, lacking access to core geometric parameters
• Manual measurement cannot provide real-time feedback or process traceability, limiting quality control and energy optimization

Solution

The TIMI Centering-Type Telecentric Imaging Measurement System is specifically designed for crankshafts with multiple cylindrical sections and eccentric geometries. It enables non-contact, fully automated measurement of all required features directly on the production line—replacing traditional lab-based measurement tools.

• Outer diameter, roundness, cylindricity, and concentricity of the main shaft, pin shaft, and eccentric shaft sections
• Eccentricity measurement of the offset section with automatic pass/fail judgment
• All geometric relationships are automatically analyzed from a single full rotation scan

• Dual-axis centering fixture ensures stable workpiece positioning, minimizing vibration and clamping errors
• Measurement cycle under 30 seconds per crankshaft, supporting inline full inspection
• Automated data storage and real-time statistical output, fully compatible with MES / ERP systems

Benefits

• Complete inline inspection of crankshaft dimensions for immediate quality control
• Significantly reduces defect rates, improving consistency and durability of compressor products
• Provides precise data on key geometric parameters, supporting energy efficiency and carbon reduction goals
• Minimizes manual handling and inspection time, improving overall production efficiency and labor utilization