Development of an optical sensor for dynamic monitoring of off-round and eccentric errors of cylindrical parts

An optical angular deflection sensor has been implemented to assess the shape and axis position of rotating cylindrical parts. The deviation of the shape from the nominal circular cross-section (the off-round error) and the departure of the rotation axis from the geometric axis of the parts (the eccentric error) are determined. The technique is simple and inexpensive, with acceptable accuracy for mechanical engineering, is capable of monitoring rotating parts and has the potential to gauge parts on the production line. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.