Calibration of a 3D-ball plate

The presented 3D-ball plate is used for testing machine tools with a workspace of 500 mm × 500 mm × 320 mm. The artefact consists of a 2D-ball plate which is either located by a kinematic correct coupling on a base plate or on a spacer. The spacers are placed between the base plate and the ball plate and are also kinematic coupled to the other elements of the artefact. The kinematic couplings provide a high repeatability of the measurement setup. Because of the specific application the known calibration procedures for 2D-ball plates are not applicable.A calibration method for the pseudo-3D-artefact on a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is presented, with the aim to minimise the influence of geometric CMM errors. Therefore a computer simulation is used to analyse the effects of these disturbing errors on the calibration of the ball plate and the spacers. Using a reversal method, the plate is measured at four different horizontal positions after rotating the ball plate around its vertical axis. A couple of the CMM errors, e.g., a squareness error C0Y between the X- and Y-axis of the CMM, can be eliminated by that method—others have to be determined with additional measurements, e.g., the positioning errors EXX or EYY of the X- and Y-axis, respectively. The paper also contains a measurement uncertainty estimation for the calibration by use of experiments, tolerances and Monte Carlo-simulations. The achieved uncertainty for ball positions in the working volume is less than 2.1 μm (coverage factor k = 2).     

Leap motion controller three dimensional verification and polynomial correction

We propose a leap motion controller (LMC) dimensional verification based on ISO 10360-2:2009 with a coordinated measuring machine (CMM) as the reference framework. A pointer device comprising a thin aluminum cylinder was used to simulate a human finger. This was mounted on the spindle of the CMM to mark known positions over the LMC workspace. Polynomial tendency line corrections were applied to reduce the error in the LMC and CMM framework alignment. One dimension verification results were less than 0.1 mm in the X and Z axes, whereas the Y axis produced unsuitable results. The mean error was 9.6 mm in three-dimensional (3D) verification. Our findings demonstrate the difference between manufacturer quoted accuracy (0.01 mm) to that practically obtainable when the pointer was placed in a known position. LMC needs to add tracking models and position error compensation in applications requiring high accuracy, such as industrial processes or surgical procedure simulations.     

Development and calibration of an integrated 3D scanning system for high-accuracy large-scale metrology

Quality control in advanced manufacturing requires automated and high-accuracy large-scale 3D measurement. This paper proposes a high-accuracy, low-cost 3D scanning system by integrating industrial robot with precise linear rail and laser sensor. The measuring principle and system construction of the integrated system are introduced in detail. A mathematical model is established for mapping the change of the laser sensor frame while it scans along the linear rail and a sphere-based algorithm for rail orientation calibration is introduced. Subsequently, taking the robot positioning error into consideration, an enhanced hand–eye calibration method is proposed to determine the relationship between robot end-effector and rail scanning frame. Validation experiments were performed, a maximum distance error of 0.071 mm was detected within the rail range and a mean/maximum distance error of 0.309/0.604 mm was detected in the robot volume. A large-scale scanning instance also shows that integrated robotic scanning system features high-efficiency and high-accuracy.     

Diagonal in space of coordinate measuring machine verification using an optical-comb pulsed interferometer with a ball-lens target

This paper presents a new optical method of coordinate measuring machine (CMM) verification. The proposed system based on a single-mode fiber optical-comb pulsed interferometer with a ball lens of refractive index 2 employed as the target. The target can be used for absolute-length measurements in all directions. The laser source is an optical frequency comb, whose repetition rate is stabilized by a rubidium frequency standard. The measurement range is confirmed to be up to 10 m. The diagonals of a CMM are easier to verify by the proposed method than by the conventional artifact test method. The measurement uncertainty of the proposed method is also smaller than that of the conventional method because the proposed measurement system is less affected by air temperature; it achieves an uncertainty of approximately 7 μm for measuring lengths of 10 m. The experimental results show that the measurement accuracy depends on noise in the interference fringe, which arises from airflow fluctuations and mechanical vibrations.     

Verification of the positioning accuracy of industrial coordinate measuring machine using optical-comb pulsed interferometer with a rough metal ball target

An optical-comb pulsed interferometer was developed for the positioning measurements of the industrial coordinate measuring machine (CMM); a rough metal ball was used as the target of the single-mode optical fiber interferometer. The measurement system is connected through a single-mode fiber more than 100 m long. It is used to connect a laser source from the 10th floor of a building to the proposed measuring system inside a CMM room in the basement of the building. The repetition frequency of a general optical comb is transferred to 1 GHz by an optical fiber-type Fabry–Pérot etalon. Then, a compact absolute position-measuring system is realized for practical non-contact use with a high accuracy of measurement. The measurement uncertainty is approximately 0.6 μm with a confidence level of 95%.     

Videogrammetric technique for three-dimensional structural progressive collapse measurement

In order to solve the shortcomings of the traditional transducers for monitoring the structural progressive collapse, this paper proposes to adopt the high-speed videogrammetric measurement technique to monitor the structural progressive collapse. First, the videogrammetric hardware components are presented. Second, three key issues about the stereo videogrammetric technique are studied in the paper, including camera calibration and placement, movable network control and tracking targets layout and image sequences processing. At last, three different kinds structural progressive collapse of five-story reinforced concrete frame-wall are performed, and the absolute accuracy of 0.43 mm, 0.87 mm and 0.65 mm and the relative accuracy of 0.61 mm, 0.29 mm and 0.62 mm are achieved in the X, Y and Z direction. The results show that the non-contacted videogrammetry is an alternative technique to monitor the structural progressive collapse.     

Design,realization and uncertainty analysis of a laser-based primary calibration facility for solar cells at PTB

A completely newly designed multi-functional facility for the primary calibration of reference solar cells and the spectral characterization of all solar cell types has been developed and built at PTB. The new facility is based on the successfully applied Differential Spectral Responsivity (DSR) method that allows the determination of the absolute spectral responsivity and nonlinearity of solar cells with the lowest uncertainties. By using a tunable laser system, the new setup avoids the main problem of monochromator-based systems: the low optical power level of the monochromatic beam. Thus it enables a significant reduction of the uncertainty for the short circuit current under standard test conditions I_STC of solar cells. It enables the calibration of World Photovoltaic Scale (WPVS) reference solar cells with an uncertainty of 0.4% (k = 2), the lowest value stated by any WPVS laboratory.     

基于球形目标的激光位移传感器光束方向标定

搭建了非接触式的三坐标测量系统以便精密测量三维型面。将激光位移传感器通过具有两个回转轴的回转体安装在测量机的Z轴上,从而可根据待测表面的形状来调整传感器的方位。为了使传感器在各个方位上实现测量功能,提出了基于球形目标的光束方向标定方法,并详细阐述了其数学原理。标定时,驱动测量机使传感器分别沿测量机的X,Y和Z轴做等间距步进,根据步长和激光束长度的变化建立方程组求解出激光束所在直线的单位方向向量。最后,多次测量尺寸参数已知的六面体标准块规,检验了该测量系统的重复性。结果显示,该系统的测量不确定度为0.048mm;测量另一直径已知的被测球时,传感器在各个方位上的误差小于0.05mm,表明所提出的标定方法使测量系统达到了逆向工程的使用要求。得到的数据表明,本文所提出的方法有较高的标定精度和较好的重复性,为实现三维型面的快速扫描测量奠定了基础。     

A long-stroke 3D contact scanning probe for micro/nano coordinate measuring machine

This paper presents a long-stroke contact scanning probe with high precision and low stiffness for micro/nano coordinate measuring machines (micro/nano CMMs). The displacements of the probe tip in 3D are detected by two plane mirrors supported by an elastic mechanism, which is comprised of a tungsten stylus, a floating plate and two orthogonal Z-shaped leaf springs fixed to the outer case. A Michelson interferometer is used to detect the vertical displacement of the mirror mounted on the center of the floating plate. An autocollimator based two dimensional angle sensor is used to detect the tilt of the other plane mirror located at the end of the arm of the floating plate. The stiffness and the dynamic properties are investigated by simulation. The optimal structural parameters of the probe are obtained based on the force-motion model and the constrained conditions of stiffness, measurement range and horizontal size. The results of the performance tests show that the probe has a contact force gradient within 0.5 mN/μm, a measuring range of (±20 μm), (±20 μm), and 20 μm, respectively, in X, Y and Z directions, and a measurement standard deviation of 30 nm. The feasibility of the probe has preliminarily been verified by testing the curved surface of a convex lens.     

Three-dimensional profile stitching measurement for large aspheric surface during grinding process with sub-micron accuracy

A novel measurement method is proposed to realize three-dimensional (3D) profile stitching for large aspheric surface. The proposed method is based on the multiple sub-regions stitching technology applying a four-axis fixture and a commercial small-range profiler. The partition of sub-regions is due to the effective profiler’s range and the characteristic parameters of aspheric surface, and the measurement for each sub-region within the profiler’s range is achieved through the fixture to translate and rotate the aspheric surface. Then a stitching algorithm including the multi-body theory, the invariability of curvature radiuses and the least square principle is established to reconstruct the full 3D profile. Simulations of multiple sub-regions stitching for different aspheric surfaces are performed to predict the stitching accuracy of proposed method and analyze the influence of alignment errors in Y direction caused by the rotation error along Z direction (Δβ_w,g). The stitching accuracy of proposed method is verified by measuring the 3D profile of an off-axis parabolic surface and an axisymmetric aspheric surface. The experimental standard deviations of stitching errors are 0.16 μm and 0.42 μm, which are less than the form errors of aspheric surface during grinding process. The results show that the proposed method achieves 3D profile stitching for large aspheric surface with sub-micron accuracy.     

Development and evaluation of a two-axial shearing force sensor consisting of an optical sensor chip and elastic gum frame

We developed a promising shearing force sensor that is small in size and can measure shearing force along two axes independently. This sensor consists of an elastic gum frame and an optical sensor chip (6 mm × 6 mm × 8 mm). From the experimental results, the resolutions of the sensor along the x- and y-axes are found to be 0.070 N and 0.063 N. We also experimentally demonstrated that the sensor can separately measure shearing force along two axes. Finally, we demonstrated that the scale factor which correspond to resolution and linear portion which correspond to measuring range of the signals can be changed easily by using three types of elastic gum frame. This sensor can be embedded in the finger of a robot hand and use it to not only measure shearing force but also detect the slip phenomenon.     

An orifice meter for bidirectional air flow measurements: Influence of gas thermo-hygrometric content on static response and bidirectionality

This paper presents the design and calibration of an ISO non-compliant orifice plate flowmeter whose intended use is for respiratory function measurements in the bidirectional air flow range ±9 L/min.The novelty of the proposed sensor consists of a plate beveled in both upstream and downstream sides: a symmetrical geometry is adopted in order to perform bidirectional measurements of flow rate. A mathematical model is introduced to quantify the influence of temperature on the sensor output. Four different positions of the pressure static taps are evaluated in order to maximize bidirectionality. An index is also introduced in order to quantitatively estimate the anti-symmetry of the sensor's response curve.Trials are carried out to evaluate the influence on sensor output of air temperatures (22 °C, 30 °C and 37 °C) at different values of relative humidity (5%, 55% and 85%). Experimental data show a quite good agreement with the theoretical model (R²>0.98 in each condition).The influence of air temperature on the sensor output is minimized by introducing a correction factor based on the theoretical model leading to measurement repeatability better than 2% in overall range of calibration. The mean sensitivity in the calibration range is about 2 kPa L⁻¹·min allowing to obtain a sensor discrimination threshold lower than 0.2 L/min in both directions. The time constant of the whole measurement system, equal to 2.40±0.03 ms, leads to a bandwidth up to 80 Hz making the sensor suitable for respiratory function measurements.     

Error analysis of a twin-cantilever sensor for measuring external diameter

The error characteristics of the twin-cantilever sensor for measuring external diameter of tensile test piece were discussed. By using of beam bending theory and strain electric measurement theory, the origins of the errors of the twin-cantilever measuring system were analyzed, and a synthetic error formula of the system was established, which contains four components, the contact offset error, the tilt error, the Abbe error and the implicated error. A experimental system was designed, and the calibration and measurement experiments were carried out. The synthetic error formula was used to analyze the errors of the experimental system, and the error control method, including a set of error correction formula, was discussed. The analytical result shows that the resolution of the experimental system is smaller than 0.0002 mm; through error correction, the absolute error limit of the experimental system can be determined as ±0.001 mm.     

Synthesis of multiple degrees-of-freedom spatial-motion compliant parallel mechanisms with desired stiffness and dynamics characteristics

This paper presents a new design method to synthesize multiple degrees-of-freedom (DOF) spatial-motion compliant parallel mechanisms (CPMs). Termed as the beam-based structural optimization approach, a novel curved-and-twisted (C-T) beam configuration is used as the basic design module to optimize the design parameters of the CPMs so as to achieve the targeted stiffness and dynamic characteristics. To derive well-defined fitness (objective) functions for the optimization algorithm, a new analytical approach is introduced to normalize the differences in the units, e.g., N/m or N m/rad, etc., for every component within the stiffness matrix. To evaluate the effectiveness of this design method, it was used to synthesize a 3-DOF spatial-motion (θ_x − θ_y − Z) CPM that delivers an optimized stiffness characteristics with a desired natural frequency of 100 Hz. A working prototype was developed and the experimental investigations show that the synthesized 3-DOF CPM can achieved a large workspace of 8°×8°×5.5 mm, high stiffness ratios, i.e., >200 for non-actuating over actuating stiffness, and a measured natural frequency of 84.4 Hz.     

Surface roughness measurement based on fiber optic sensor

The multi-wavelength fiber sensor for measuring surface roughness and surface scattering characteristics were investigated. In this paper, specimens with different surface roughness were analyzed by using 650 nm, 1310 nm and 1550 nm laser as the light source, respectively. The working distance of 2 mm was chosen as the optimum measurement distance. The experimental results indicate that multi-wavelength fiber sensor can accurately measure surface roughness, and can effectively reduce the unsystematic error. The light scattering intensity ratio has a good linear relationship with the surface roughness. The minimum relative error of the surface roughness is 2.92%, the maximum relative error is 13.4%, and the average relative error is about 7.48%. The accuracy for measuring surface roughness by multi-wavelength fiber sensor is about twice as large as that by single-wavelength fiber sensor.     

A measuring method for large antenna assembly using laser and vision guiding technology

In this paper a new conception of a measuring method is proposed to assist precision automatic assembly of large radar antenna. Different from conventional 6-DOF tracking methods, the measuring system decomposes the measurement task into several independent steps. The measuring system consists of a camera, two laser distance meters, two position sensitive detectors (PSD) and an inclination angle sensor. The camera is adopted to guide antenna position and orientation adjustment over a large space. Laser meters and PSD sensor is used to precisely measure the position and orientation of radar antenna. To improve the practicability of measuring system, a robust vision measurement method is proposed. The mathematical models and practical calibration methods for measurement are elaborated. The preliminary experimental results agree with the methods currently being used for orientation and position measurement. The measuring method provides an alternative choice for the metrology in precision assembly. By using the method proposed in this paper, the measuring system can achieve a measurement accuracy of approximately 1 mm, which meets the accuracy requirement of large radar antenna automatic assembly application. Besides, the measuring method provides an alternative solution for large scale metrology which take the environmental impact into account.     

Development of high-precision micro-roundness measuring machine using a high-sensitivity and compact multi-beam angle sensor

With recent development in advanced manufacturing, demand for nanometric accuracy in dimensional metrology has increased dramatically. To satisfy these requirements, we propose a high-accuracy micro-roundness measuring machine (micro-RMM) using a multi-beam angle sensor (MBAS). The micro-RMM includes three main parts: the MBAS, a rotary unit, and a bearing system. The MBAS has been designed and established in order to improve motion accuracy of the micro-RMM. The dimensions of the MBAS are 125(L) mm × 130(W) mm × 90(H) mm. Compared with other methods, an MBAS is less susceptible to spindle error (stage-independence) when detecting angles, can maintain high sensitivity with miniaturized size, and can be used conveniently at the factory level. The optical probe, reported in this paper, is based on the principle of an autocollimator, and the stability is improved when using the MBAS. Unlike multi-probe methods, the micro-RMM is constructed to realize roundness measurement by using only one probe, which is less susceptible to instrumental errors. Experimental results confirming the feasibility of the multi-beam angle sensor for roundness measurement are also presented.     

Statistical approach for optimization of influencing parameters in laser assisted machining (LAM) of Inconel alloy

Laser assisted machining (LAM) is one of the innovative methods to machine difficult to cut materials to obtain maximum benefits of machinability. In this method, the influence of both the laser and cutting parameters affects the quality of machining. Hence it is required to identify the optimal levels of the parameters in order to maximize benefits. The present study focused on optimization of laser beam approach angle, laser power and cutting parameters during LAM of Inconel 718 alloy using chemical vapour deposition (CVD) coated carbide tool. The experimental trials are planned in accordance with central composite design (CCD) in response surface methodology. The ranges for selected parameters are as follows as: cutting speed (50 < Vc < 100 m/min), feed rate (0.05 < f < 0.1 mm/rev), laser power (1.25 < P_L < 1.75 kW), and approach angle (60° < θ < 90°). Cutting force and workpiece temperature, the two responses which are measured using Kistler force dynamometer and infra-red pyrometer respectively. The effects of each parameter were analysed using 3D surface plot and analysis of variance (ANOVA). A second order regression equation has been developed and model shows good agreement with experimental and predicted results. Desirability function analysis (DFA) is used to determine the optimal operating conditions. Finally, the results were validated using confirmation experiments.     

Uncertainty evaluation of the 20 kN m deadweight torque standard machine

A deadweight-type torque standard machine of 20 kN m rated capacity (20 kN m-DWTSM) has been designed and developed by the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). Each uncertainty contribution comes mainly from the performance of each mechanical part of the 20 kN m-DWTSM. Authors evaluated the uncertainty of the mass of the linkage weights, local acceleration of gravity, influence of air buoyancy on deadweight loading, initial moment-arm length (including CMM measurement and temperature compensation), and sensitivity of the fulcrum. This report deals especially with evaluation of the remaining contributions, namely the influence of arm flexure and reference line variation at the end of the moment-arm on best measurement capability (BMC). Estimation of BMC in the 20 kN m-DWTSM gave a relative expanded uncertainty of less than 7.0 · 10⁻⁵ (k = 2) for the calibration range from 200 N m to 20 kN m.     

Reaffirmation of measurement uncertainty in pressure sensitivity determination of LS2P microphones by reciprocity method

The paper presents the accuracy and precision associated with realization of primary standard of sound using the reciprocity method. An experimental determination of the front cavity volume on Universal Measuring Machine has lead to reaffirmation of measurement uncertainty in pressure sensitivity determination to 0.04–0.15 dB in frequency range 31.5 Hz to 25 kHz. The reduced measurement uncertainty has also been validated from the results of the recent APMP Key comparison and also by comparison to the manufacturer’s value for LS2P microphones. The use of optical method for measuring the front cavity volume has refined the measurement methodology followed with adaptation of a self reliant, traceable and systematic measurement procedure in comparison to the earlier use of nominal values for sensitivity fitting exercise conducted on MP.EXE program. Consequently, the measurement uncertainty associated with the calibration of working standard microphones, multifunction acoustic calibrator and A-weighted sound pressure level measurements is also reduced.