Straightness Measurement

The straightness measurement is the daily practice of manufacturers of linear stages, guides and rails whether in precision mechanics or machine tools. The travel of a moving carriage is investigated regarding angular motion errors square to the direction of movement, called yaw, pitch and roll errors.

A reference mirror mounted to the carriage is moved with a constant step length b along the stage or rail to be measured. For each step the angular output αi of TriAngle^® autocollimator is recorded. The software displays the angular measurement data as well as the straightness deviation δ in μm units. Motor driver software modules for standard DC- and steppermotors are included which makes the measurement of motorized stages very convenient.