Measuring splines

[RP Designs]

Anyone have a good method to measuring splines? I have a small shaft with what appear to be straight splines that I would like to measure. I don't know if they are ANSI, ISO or DIN (most likely ISO since it is european). Any suggestions?

[ALLtra Mach]

What are you trying to measure on them?
the spline itself, the spacing? Diameters?

A set of pin mics works well but takes a trained hand, rotating into the measurement.
Especially in a used shaft, it is easiest to take your readings, then compare them to the standards for the size of shaft.
take all the measurements you can and compare them to find out what shaft you have.

[RP Designs]

Unfortunately the splines on the shaft are very small. What I am trying to do is determine the mating splines for the shaft. I don't know which standard it is so it is difficult for me to measure and compare to any given standard. I haven't taken measurements bt the shaft is about 13mm in diameter and has a lot of splines (maybe 70 or 80 splines).

[easymike29]

You can project the contour onto a shadowgraph with surface illumination. If not, then you can try an eye loupe with reticle graduations. An example.

http://www.edmundoptics.com/onlineca...productID=1860

Gene

[beege]

Facsimile compound / optical comparator? Most surface illumination isn't good enough for shapes on the end of a shaft, and you may have difficulty mounting the shaft on the scope.

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Got a gear shop nearby? If so, they could probably tell you what it is.

Dick Z