Ballbar analysis measures contouring errors in machining centers that are only apparent when the machine is in motion.  By converting data into a plot, the true movement of the machine is revealed.  From this recorded movement, the actual tolerance of the machine can be calculated and compared to the acceptable part tolerance.  This value will drive appropriate corrective action plans.

Ballbar data will quantify faults in the machine center such as servo mismatch, stick-slip error, straightness of the axes, lateral play, backlash, reversal spikes, circularity error, scale, and machine geometry.  Each of these conditions can be trended over time.