The PTB provides the smoothest possible surface and the smallest possible steps. Surfaces with 100 micrometer square or more are prepared which are on the atomic scale either completely free of steps or show intermittent monoatomic steps with terrace widths of several micrometer. This is done by using the self-organization of atoms on the surface of crystalline silicon.

Für die Aufrüstung eines UHV-Rastertunnelmikroskops (UHV-STM) mit einem komplexen interferometrischen Messsystem wurde ein virtuellen 3D-Modell des bestehenden Aufbaus erstellt. Für das Upgrade zum metrologischen UHV-STM wurden modernste Methoden der 3D Erfassung, Virtualisierung und computerbasierten Simulation von komplexen optomechanischen Komponenten angewendet.

In surveying, traceability to the SI definition of the metre is mainly based on calibration measurements using geodetic reference baselines realized by pillars. An optical primary standard, the TeleYAG system, was developed and successfully verified by PTB within the European metrology research project “Metrology for long distance surveying” for the calibration of these reference distances with...

A calibration setup for the quantitative characterization of the quasi-static properties of micro- and nanopositioning stages was developed. An important component of the calibration setup is a four-beam plane-mirror differential interferometer (Jamin interferometer (NPL)). Due to the special optical and mechanical design of the calibration set-up, a resolution of 14 pm and a noise limit of less...

In Kooperation mit einem Industriepartner hat die PTB neuartige Raunormale für hochauflösende Oberflächenmesstechniken entwickelt und erprobt. Hierbei kann die gewünschte Rauheit flexibel vorgegeben und skalierbar übertragen werden. Die Strukturen werden mittels fokussierten Ionenstrahlen (Focussed Ion Beam, FIB) auf ein geeignetes Substrat geschrieben. Dabei können auch die aus der...

The machine for Rockwell hardness calibration of the PTB has been improved by implementation of a new measurement procedure. The proposed method is automated and therefore accelerates the whole measuring process. Within the new method the expected hardness value of a hardness reference block is estimated during the measurement itself and allows to perform standard-compliant hardness calibrations...

Optical methods are increasingly used in surface metrology. For the calibration of the height-measuring axis of instruments which can only measure diffuse-reflecting surfaces, there have been no suitable depth-setting standards so far. In cooperation with an industrial partner, a process for the roughening of diamond-turned depth setting standards has been developed. The process is based on the...

A micro-volume standard for the test of optical measuring devices for anilox roller measurement was developed by PTB in cooperation with an industrial partner. The diamond turned standard contains two, approximately 10 mm wide areas with periodic v-shaped grooves with a depth of 20 μm and 50 μm, respectively. The standards are currently being tested under industrial conditions and are to be used...

Establishing the new competence center WIND (CCW) PTB will soon get a large coordinate measuring machine capable for parts with dimensions up to 5 m x 4 m x 2 m. This is planned to be used for reliable and traceable measurements of large drivetrain components (gears, bearings, shafts and brakes) as they are used e.g. for wind energy systems for the first time.

In industry and PTB there is long time experience in the calibration of cylindrical standards like stetting rings with diameters up to approx. 300 mm. Within the European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP) funded project DriveTrain a novel large ring standard with an inner diameter of 600 mm has been developed, tested, and calibrated.

Measurements on gears require standards with contours in the form of involutes. For the present construction and manufacturing task, a standard with a combination of internal and external involute with superposed small disturbances was required. The form of the ground cylindrical reference surface of the standard with a diameter of approx. 300 mm deviates only a few micrometers from the ideal...

Optical measuring micro systems are increasingly used for 3D measurement of micro components. At PTB, the performance of such systems has been investigated. The aim of the studies was to evaluate the applicability of the new standard DIN EN ISO 10360-8 (2014) for testing coordinate measuring machines with optical distance sensors on optical area measuring micro systems.

Parts with features from the sub-millimetre range to several tens of millimetres (microparts) play an important role in different industrial sectors, like automotive, healthcare or telecommunications. In many cases, their complete inner and outer geometry must be verified with sub-micrometre uncertainties. In the project MICROPARTS, funded in the European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP),...

Erosive particles with sizes of the order of 100 µm such as sand or fly ash can cause considerable damages at turbine blades in power plants as well as in airplanes. Outages and reduced efficiencies can be the consequence, leading to enormous costs for many sectors of economy. In order to better protect the turbine blades new materials have to be developed. To this end a more detailed knowledge...

A significant part of the geometrical errors of machined workpieces is induced by thermomechanical effects on the machine tool and the workpiece. Within a European research project a portable climate simulation chamber has been designed to control the environmental temperature between + 15 °C and + 45 °C. The effect of different environmental temperatures on the machine tool geometry and the...