Absolute Multiline Technology is a world-wide
unique measurement system for monitoring the
geometric accuracy of machine tools by means
of high-precision length measurements: An
absolute distance interferometer measuring with
sub-micrometer resolution serves as metrological
centerpiece of a factory. It connects with any
number of machines via fiber optic network
that may comprise more than 100 measurement
channels. These measurement channels, equipped
with miniature optical elements, are oriented
along the machines’ axes, space diagonals and
face diagonals of the machine working volume.
Absolute Multiline Technology’s metrological
network is ready to cover any machine location
and size – it has already been set up in factories
supplying multiple machine tools with up to 12
meters (≈39 ft.) in axis length. The maximum range
of measurement is 40 meters (≈131 ft.), while the
optical fibers may travel several kilometers. Due to
the large distances possible between the robust
measurement sensors and the system electronics,
measurements can be conducted under extremely
rough environmental conditions.
While conventional interferometers can only
work with a continuous measuring beam, the
Absolute Multiline Technology can deal with
interruptions of its eye-safe infrared beam at
any time without losing accuracy. The absolute
distance is re-calculated in a fraction of a second.
Hence, highest geometric precision is assured
in the entire working volu