News from the field of coordinate metrology
The "virtual coordinate measuring machine" is going into the next round. After the method developed at the PTB has successfully infiltrated the calibration laboratories, it is now also available for gear measurements. Based on Monte Carlo simulation calculations, a corresponding measurement uncertainty is determined for each measurement value directly after carrying out a measurement. Thus, it is possible to quickly obtain information on whether the measuring method used is suitable to prove the required gear qualities. In this way, the production process can be more securely controlled and complaints or sources of defects can be avoided. PTB is presenting the method at Control, the International trade exhibition for quality management in Stuttgart, hall 1, stand 1313, from May 5th to 8th. In future, it will be possible to calibrate laser trackers, i.e. mobile 3D coordinate measuring machines, at a PTB reference wall, independent of the machine manufacturer. The model concept of this wall, several meters large, will be presented at the fair booth and likewise monolithic test specimens with dimensions below one millimeter for coordinate measurements in microtechnology. more...