Laser measurement system for rapid calibration of machine tools

摘要

A laser measurement system for rapid calibration of machine tools includes a measurement enhancement device which enables an existing standard single degree of freedom laser interferometry system to simultaneously measure up to four additional degrees of freedom. The device includes a first beamsplitter which splits a laser beam of the existing system, and a measurement component which receives the split beam and senses at least one value for at least a second degree of freedom. The beamsplitter and measurement component are mounted in a compact housing which is configured for attachment to the existing system. The measurement component can employ a new type of compact angle measurement device according to the invention. The new angle measurement device is based on the internal reflection effect and requires only a single prism for each angular component to be measured.