Improving the accuracy of roundness measurement

The application of error separation techniques to roundness measuring instruments is investigated experimentally, using digital computers. The accuracy of such techniques is substantiated by comparative measurements with two independent multi-orientation systems. Results obtained with these and other systems confirm that the errors of conventional roundness measuring instruments can be reduced by a factor of ten or more and meaningful polar graphs obtained at radial magnifications of up to one million. These advances in accuracy can be achieved in relatively poor working environments and with little extra skill on the part of the instrument operator.