White paper: Laser diagonal measurement for machine tool performance assessment (pdf)

The introduction of B5.54 and ISO 230-6 machine tool performance measurement standards has increased the popularity of laser interferometer diagonal, step diagonal and vector methods for the evaluation and compensation of machine tool errors. This is due to the potential reduction in test times these methods can provide compared with the more conventional laser interferometer based linear, angle and straightness measurements, taken along lines parallel to the machine’s X, Y and Z axes. This paper provides an updated overview of laser diagonal measurements for machine tool performance assessment. It is based on the work in a previous Renishaw paper combined with significant updates to reflect the changes since then.