Accuracy Assessment of an Industrial Actuator

A commercial linear actuator equipped with a 0.1 μm resolution encoder was used as a contact displacement sensor with adjustable force. The accuracy of the position reading of the actuator was evaluated from experimental data taking into account the uncertainty contributions. The tests consisted of length measurements of grade 0 steel gauge blocks. Measurements with different values of contact force were performed to assess its influence. A statistical analysis of the experimental data was performed to support the accuracy assessment. Systematic effects were identified and corrected. An expanded uncertainty (k=2) lower than 1 μm was estimated.