Another Example of On-Machine Probing
In a previous post we mentioned on-machine probing and its ability to help us adjust our wear offsets as the tool gradually changes size over time. On-machine probing can also be used to locate the part in space and make sure that features done in different operations match up.
Most of us know that the AR15 lower receiver holds everything on the rifle together, correctly. The tolerances on the lower are important because they keep all the other sub-assemblies in relation to each other. Recently we were looking at the magwell, trigger well, and the thread for the buffer tube. These must all be in line for the rifle to function correctly. If, for instance, the magwell is off-center the rifle will have trouble feeding. If the trigger well is off center, the entire firing mechanism might not work. If the buffer tube thread is off center, however, sometimes the problem is not as apparent. The rifle will fire, but often times it will jam, unexpectedly. This happens because the thread puts the entire buffer tube off center and the bolt carrier will rub too much, slowing itself down on the way back. Therefore, when it returns forward it hasn’t compressed the spring enough to feed the bullet and it will jam. This is called short stroking.
It might seem odd, but when the AR15 lower receiver forging is subjected to the forces that we place on it in machining sometimes the forging will bend. The forging itself does all sorts of things in the machining process. Our engineering team here at Detroit Gun Works has started to use the on-machine probing to make sure that our trigger well, magwell, and buffer tube thread all line up every time. By probing the individual features we switch the global offsets and center the part every time, making sure that you get the best possible alignment of these critical features.
We look forward to hearing from you about your requirements, or your rifle build. We, as always, thank you for your support.
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