Ballbar Systems
In the manufacturing process, ballbar systems are used to verify the positioning performance of NCN machine tools, evaluating a machine’s production accuracy to extend the life of the machine’s components and improve overall accuracy. A ballbar utilizes an indicator on the end of a telescoping rod, which is moved by machine in a circle around a central point in a machine, commonly a machining axis. The indicator is then able to measure radial deviations in the central point, along with other data points such as geometric inconsistencies and axial delays.
Learning New Tricks with Ballbar Analysis

Advanced ballbar testing enables this semiconductor component supplier to achieve better-than-new machine tool accuracy and extend machine life for unconventional silicon processing.
Advanced ballbar testing enables this semiconductor component supplier to achieve better-than-new machine tool accuracy and extend machine life for unconventional silicon processing.
Renishaw machine tool probes and calibration products check and verify the dimensional accuracy of the company’s CNC machine tools. The resulting data are stored for quick retrieval and easy access using Renishaw’s CNC Reporter software.
QC20-W wireless ballbar technology from Renishaw does fast checks with minimal interruption and adds a new dimension of volumetric accuracy testing that is ideal for use in small machining envelopes on medical machine tools.
Taking measurements at ground zero on the machine or the shop floor is the name of the game, and here are some of the latest portable metrology systems that can provide those competitive capabilities.
Its wireless operation facilitates use in small machining envelopes and allows fast checks with minimal interruption. Its volumetric accuracy testing adds a new dimension. For these reasons, a new ballbar technology from Renishaw is being touted as “just what the doctor ordered” for medical machine tools.
For use with both 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows XP and Vista, this latest version of ballbar software is downloadable and free of charge.