Manufacture &
Materials 3
Metrology Lab Report
Autocollimator
Sam Rutherford
S1221186
Introduction:
An autocollimator is a device for the precise measuring of angles and can
also be used to determine the straightness of a surface by measuring the
angular deflection of a plane reflector mounted on the surface in question.
Aim:
The aim of this report is to determine the straightness of a surface using a
microptic autocollimator and determine if the machine is suitable for
continued use.
Equipment:
The equipment used in this experiment was an autocollimator, a reflector
carriage and the straight edge of a milling machine.
Procedure:
First, I aligned the autocollimator to the edge of the surface and checked
that it could receive a reflected image along the full length of the
machine.
Next, I took a reading from each of the 9 positions along the length of the
milling machine noting down the times for each one. This was done by
sliding the reflector carriage along the surface stopping at each point and
taking a reading from the reflected image sent back to the autocollimator.
I then repeated the previous step in reverse until the carriage was back at
its original starting point and took the average result for each of the
positions along the machine.
Finally, I checked over the results to make sure there were no large errors
for any of the readings. Once I was satisfied with the data, it was put in to
a table and the respective rows and columns were filled out using the
information gathered.
Results:
For the results in the table and graphs, I used the average time value for
each position and calculated the rest of the results from these values.
Readi
ng
0
1
Positio
n
0
1
Minut
es
0
4
Secon
ds
0
28.15
Differen
ce
0
0
Conve
rt
0
0
Cumulative
Adjust
Error
0
0
0
11.4528
16.9
11.25
5.625
5.625
16.7
11.45
5.725
11.35
7.65
20.5
10.25
21.6
3.5
24.65
12.32
5
33.925
0
11.452
8
22.905
6
34.358
4
45.811
2
57.264
17.2806
23.0084
24.2112
-23.339
3.7
24.45
12.22
5
45.15
52.1
36.05
18.02
5
64.175
52.5
35.65
17.82
5
82
46
42.15
21.07
5
103.075
68.716
8
80.169
6
91.622
4
103.07
5
23.5668
15.9946
-9.6224
* Cumulative, Adjust and Error are all measured in micrometres (m).
Cumulative Error v Position Graph
120
100
80
Cumulitive Error (m)
60
40
20
0
1
10
Position
This graph shows a steady incline of the error, however, we can also see
that as we get to the end positions the graph becomes steeper, showing
that the errors for those points are greater.
Actual Error v Position Graph
0
1
10
-5
-10
Actual Error (m) -15
-20
-25
-30
Position
The graph shows that the end positions of the surface have little to no
error and it gradually increases as we reach the middle point. From this we
can say that the middle positions have the largest errors.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the graphs follow the trend which was expected of them
and the table shows no gross errors from the readings taken during the
experiment. However, it should also be noted that human error may be
involved in taking the readings from the autocollimator which would affect
the values calculated. There is general wear and tear on the surface from
use which can be expected. The machine is not suitable for use as there
are values outside the 0.02 mm/m limit. The surface should be replaced
and steps should be taken to ensure that it remains in working condition.
The machine should be checked regularly to see if there are any major
peaks or troughs upon the surface that could affect the machining done
on the surface or the safety of those using it. To reduce general wear, a
lubricant could be applied so that when in use, less damage is inflicted on
the surface giving it a longer working life which also makes it a more
economical machine.
