Development of an automatic line scale measuring instrument

Eleanor F. Howick; Christopher M. Sutton

doi:10.1117/12.445611

22 October 2001 Development of an automatic line scale measuring instrument

Eleanor F. Howick, Christopher M. Sutton

Proceedings Volume 4401, Recent Developments in Traceable Dimensional Measurements; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.445611
Event: Lasers in Metrology and Art Conservation, 2001, Munich, Germany

Abstract

Line scales such as engineering rules and steel tapes are still used for many routine measurements despite the existence of more sophisticated devices. MSLNZ's Automatic Line Scale Measuring Instrument is based on a heterodyne laser interferometer used in a configuration that compensates for Abbe errors. The position of each scale graduation is detected by monitoring the change in the diffuse reflection of a focused line of diode laser light, as a motorized trolley travels along above the scale. The signal from the diffuse reflection is used to trigger the laser measurement system at the edge of each graduation. The instrument is capable of measuring the position of every graduation on a rigid scale up to four meters in length with an uncertainty of Q(10e-6 m, 7.5e-6L) (95% confidence level). Measurement time (after set up) for a one-meter scale is less than 2 minutes.

Citation Download Citation

Eleanor F. Howick and Christopher M. Sutton "Development of an automatic line scale measuring instrument", Proc. SPIE 4401, Recent Developments in Traceable Dimensional Measurements, (22 October 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.445611

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