Evaluation of the form errors of axisymmetric components

Abstract The form errors of three-dimensional surfaces have an effect on the proper functioning of an assembly. Methods for evaluating form errors of surfaces of spherical and cylindrical components are available. However, in most machines and instruments the functional components are axisymmetric, e.g. spindles, and have varying geometry in the form of steps, tapers etc. Evaluation of the form errors at different zones on the component as well as a form error characteristic of the whole component is required in such cases. To do this coordinate data or circularity traces are obtained at different horizontal sections using a coordinate measuring machine or a roundness measuring instrument respectively and the required form error is then evaluated. Different algorithms developed for fitting the axis of the component which is the first step in the evaluation of form errors are described. The method of normal least-squares fitting was found to be superior to the general least-squares method.