Feasibility Study of a Piezo Actuator as a Potential Standard in Calibration for Roundness Instruments

Area of Science:

• Metrology and Measurement Science
• Instrumentation and Measurement Technology

Background:

• Current calibration standards like gauge blocks and flick standards have limitations.
• There is a need for alternative, traceable calibration methods in precision measurement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the application of a piezo actuator as a calibration standard.
• To establish traceability of measurements to the unit of metre using a piezo actuator.
• To provide a detailed procedure for calibrating roundness instruments with a piezo actuator.

Main Methods:

• Experimental setups for interferometric and roundness instrument measurements were established.
• A piezo actuator was calibrated using an interferometer.
• The piezo actuator was used to calibrate a roundness instrument and determine correction factors.
• Regression analysis was employed to obtain a calibration curve.
• Uncertainty estimation was performed for all measurement factors.

Main Results:

• The piezo actuator was successfully calibrated and applied to calibrate a roundness instrument.
• A calibration curve was generated through regression analysis of simulated groove data.
• Correction factors for the roundness probe were determined and related to the unit of metre.
• Uncertainty analysis was conducted to align with laboratory calibration procedures.

Conclusions:

• A piezo actuator can serve as a reliable calibration standard, offering an alternative to existing methods.
• The presented procedure ensures traceability and enhances the accuracy of roundness measurements.
• The study provides a foundation for implementing piezo actuators in metrology laboratories, with discussed limitations.