Calibration application case studies

Renishaw's laser and ballbar measurement, analysis and diagnostic solutions have been assisting thousands of users to improve their operations for over 30 years.

Whether you are an end user, machine OEM or maintenance contractor, we offer a range of calibration solutions for improved machine performance.

Find out how our customers are benefiting from using Renishaw calibration products.

Laser system applications

Renishaw laser interferometer system applications are extremely varied. Whilst laser systems are widely used for the comprehensive accuracy assessment of machine tools and co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs) they also have found many other applications in research and in assessing other position critical motion systems; in fact anywhere where there is a need for the ultimate in high accuracy, repeatable and traceable measurement.

Renishaw's XK10 alignment laser system provides a perfect solution. It not only significantly enhances our efficiency; it also guarantees the accuracy. During the demonstration performed by Renishaw's engineer, we were impressed that the XK10's results are comparable to component measurements on our CMM. XK10 is designed with wireless connectivity which offers great flexibility in the setup and measurement from a single kit. Furthermore, it provides intuitive reports, allowing our customers to understand the performance of their new Hurco machine.

Hurco Manufacturing Ltd, Taiwan

KES Machine

Challenge: Efficiently capture machine performance and calibration data to expand services to clients.

Read the case study

Hurco Manufacturing Ltd

Challenge: Increase the ease and speed of machine tool performance measurement.

Read the case study

BOST Machine Tools Company (BOST)

Challenge: Verify and improve the precision of rotary axes; primarily the calibration of rotary B axes.

Read the case study

Kunming Machine Tool Company Ltd

Challenge: Improve machine calibration times.

Read the case study

More laser case studies

Case study: A laser alignment tool that goes beyond tradition

Case study: A laser alignment tool that goes beyond tradition

Smooth Precision Co. Ltd has invested in the XK10 alignment laser system from Renishaw, to remove the limitations of conventional methods, significantly improving the overall alignment accuracy and efficiency of its machines.
[1.0MB]
Case study: TAKAM uses XK10 to ensure assembly accuracy of machine tools

Case study: TAKAM uses XK10 to ensure assembly accuracy of machine tools

For machine tool makers, to achieve manufacturing efficiency depends on fast and accurate quality control processes. With traditional error testing methods beginning to hinder operations, TAKAM Machinery Co., Ltd (TAKAM) turned to Renishaw’s XK10 alignment laser system to deliver precision, efficiency and speed.
[459kB]
Case study: Machine tool builder invests in alignment laser and improves efficiency by 50%

Case study: Machine tool builder invests in alignment laser and improves efficiency by 50%

The commercial success of building custom-made machine tools requires careful attention and efficiency. Error inspection and correction during assembly needs to be fast and accurate, while labour costs have to be minimised. Faced with increasing customer demand, Dawn Machinery Co., Ltd (Dawn Machinery) chose to replace its traditional granite square and dial indicator metrology in favour of Renishaw’s XK10 alignment laser system.
[518kB]
Case study: Better accuracy enables Godrej to redefine quality norms and help reduce costs

Case study: Better accuracy enables Godrej to redefine quality norms and help reduce costs

Accuracy and on time delivery of projects are key requirements for the tooling industry. Godrej Tooling Division (Godrej) relies on Renishaw solutions to save time, money, reduce scrap and achieve a high level of accuracy.
[454kB]
Case study: Critical oil and gas production components rely on metrology systems

Case study: Critical oil and gas production components rely on metrology systems

For companies operating in the oil and gas equipment-manufacturing sector, recordkeeping and traceability are vital. As part of its company-wide quality protocol, FMC Technologies in Dunfermline, Scotland, invests continually in a preventive maintenance programme that employs Renishaw machine tool probes and calibration products to check and verify the dimensional accuracy of its CNC machine tools.
[738kB]
Case study: Renishaw and Hartford combine to deliver intelligent, ‘smart factory’ solutions

Case study: Renishaw and Hartford combine to deliver intelligent, ‘smart factory’ solutions

Established in 1965, Hartford is Taiwan’s biggest exporter of CNC machining centres as well as being the country’s largest machining centre manufacturer. It is recognised as one of the CNC machining industry’s leading global brands with a reputation for technological advancement. In the face of global skills shortages and rapidly emerging Industry 4.0 trends, Taiwanese CNC machine manufacturer Hartford undertook to develop an innovative, easier-to-use human machine interface (HMI) for its CNC machines. At the same time the company strived to ensure process measurement and inspection at its CNC machine manufacturing operations could keep pace with everheightening product quality goals.
[650kB]
Case study: Renishaw technology helps Breton calibrate its in-house machinery and control the quality of its output

Case study: Renishaw technology helps Breton calibrate its in-house machinery and control the quality of its output

When Breton SpA wanted to add machine tool manufacture to its core business of building stone-processing machinery, the increase in required levels of precision prompted the introduction of around 30 devices from Renishaw, including laser interferometers, rotary axis calibrators, ballbars and touch-trigger probes. As a result, Breton’s range of high-speed, five-axis CNC machining centres are now among the world’s most advanced.
[514kB]
Case study: Jingdiao's refusal to compromise on quality sees its business take off

Case study: Jingdiao's refusal to compromise on quality sees its business take off

Beijing Jingdiao Company Ltd has collaborated with Renishaw as its business has continued to grow over the years, with the two companies working together to open up new pathways to innovation and deliver superior quality.
[397kB]
Case study: Spinner - Machine tool supplier to Ford and Bosch, transforms machine accuracy without design changes

Case study: Spinner - Machine tool supplier to Ford and Bosch, transforms machine accuracy without design changes

Most CNC machine tool manufacturers invest heavily in machine developments that improve accuracy but by using the latest calibration systems at its factory in Istanbul, Turkey, leading manufacturer Spinner has improved specified machine accuracies without the need to change designs. As Mr Nurhan, Technology Manager, explains, “The machine designs are no different but we have actually improved the accuracy, cut the support customers need by up to 90%, and have shown customers that we use the latest technology.”
[440kB]
Case study: Inca Digital - Stunning large scale images achieved with speed and repeatability

Case study: Inca Digital - Stunning large scale images achieved with speed and repeatability

Article describing how Renishaw's XL-80 laser measurement system has ensured that Inca Digital's large-scale digital printers are considered a safe bet for consistency, reliability and stunning images.
[683kB]
Case study: Geo Tec - Calibration service provider works faster & smarter to create more revenue

Case study: Geo Tec - Calibration service provider works faster & smarter to create more revenue

Article describing how German service company Geo Tec Messtechnik has upgraded its laser calibration system to Renishaw's new XL-80, with the increased portability and ease of use allowing more jobs each month.
[405kB]
Case study: The world’s No.1 semiconductor assembly & packaging equipment manufacturer benefits from Renishaw’s innovative products

Case study: The world’s No.1 semiconductor assembly & packaging equipment manufacturer benefits from Renishaw’s innovative products

ASM Pacific Technology Ltd (ASMPT), the world’s largest supplier of wafer assembly and packaging equipment for the semiconductor industry, aims to offer complete factory automation solutions and satisfy customers’ needs through its innovative and cost-effective products.
[1.8MB]
Case study: Laser interferometry assures spherical lens quality

Case study: Laser interferometry assures spherical lens quality

Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT), China, has used Renishaw’s XL-80 laser interferometer to develop a high precision instrument capable of simultaneously and reliably measuring all the key dimensional parameters of a spherical lens.
[421kB]
Case study: VAD Instrument chooses Renishaw’s UHV optical encoders for motion platforms

Case study: VAD Instrument chooses Renishaw’s UHV optical encoders for motion platforms

Vacuum technology is used in many high-precision manufacturing processes. Typical applications include semiconductor wafer inspection, wafer bonding, photolithography and thin film deposition.
[912kB]

Ballbar applications

Renishaw's QC20 ballbar is a tool which can give you the information you need to control your machining operations effectively, whether your responsibility is in production, maintenance, engineering, shop planning or quality.

It's no surprise that with so many diverse customers and potential benefits, the stories of ballbar success are so varied.

Knowing the machine's capability before it cuts parts allows us to minimise scrap and machine downtime. That gives us high part-quality and productivity while keeping manufacturing cost down. It's what Lean Manufacturing is all about – greater customer value.

Nemcomed (USA)

More ballbar case studies

Case study: Spirax Sarco UK - New life for worn machines

Case study: Spirax Sarco UK - New life for worn machines

Spirax Sarco UK invested in a Renishaw QC20-W wireless ballbar to check the geometry of its high-end machining centres before and after they were transferred to a new, purpose-built facility. Spirax Sarco is the global leader in manufacturing high quality products for the control and efficient use of steam and industrial fluids.
[515kB]
Case study: Critical oil and gas production components rely on metrology systems

Case study: Critical oil and gas production components rely on metrology systems

For companies operating in the oil and gas equipment-manufacturing sector, recordkeeping and traceability are vital. As part of its company-wide quality protocol, FMC Technologies in Dunfermline, Scotland, invests continually in a preventive maintenance programme that employs Renishaw machine tool probes and calibration products to check and verify the dimensional accuracy of its CNC machine tools.
[738kB]
Case study: Better accuracy enables Godrej to redefine quality norms and help reduce costs

Case study: Better accuracy enables Godrej to redefine quality norms and help reduce costs

Accuracy and on time delivery of projects are key requirements for the tooling industry. Godrej Tooling Division (Godrej) relies on Renishaw solutions to save time, money, reduce scrap and achieve a high level of accuracy.
[454kB]
Case study: Jingdiao's refusal to compromise on quality sees its business take off

Case study: Jingdiao's refusal to compromise on quality sees its business take off

Beijing Jingdiao Company Ltd has collaborated with Renishaw as its business has continued to grow over the years, with the two companies working together to open up new pathways to innovation and deliver superior quality.
[397kB]
Case study: Sandvik Medical Solutions - QC20-W ballbar gives Sandvik confidence at every level

Case study: Sandvik Medical Solutions - QC20-W ballbar gives Sandvik confidence at every level

For the last 2 years Sandvik Medical Solutions, have been enthusiastic users of the Renishaw ballbar system to verify the performance of their machine tools. Sandvik, based in Sheffield, UK, is a major supplier to many of the global brands within the healthcare industry, providing investment castings, forgings and finished medical implants and instruments for joint replacement and spinal surgery markets.
[734kB]
Case study: NC Service - Wireless QC20-W ballbar loses cable and gains support

Case study: NC Service - Wireless QC20-W ballbar loses cable and gains support

Peter Jönsson, Managing Director of NC Service, Gothenburg, Sweden, has used the Renishaw QC10 ballbar (and Renishaw laser calibration systems) for years, and is convinced of the benefits, but is delighted to take delivery of the new QC20-W wireless ballbar. As he comments, “QC10 has been one of our most important tools, and 100% reliable, since 2004 – we will continue to use it for some jobs. However, most machines must be run with the doors shut, and with large test radii on bridge machines the cable can become a problem – QC20 makes it much easier. I’m also looking forward to using the ‘volumetric analysis’ function.”
[302kB]
Case study: Mori Seiki - Renishaw ballbar gives highest standard of customer service

Case study: Mori Seiki - Renishaw ballbar gives highest standard of customer service

Mori Seiki Group is acknowledged as one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of high specification machine tools, having delivered more than 185,000 units worldwide since its foundation in 1948. Mori Seiki uses Renishaw ballbar to give highest standard of customer service.
[193kB]
Case study: Wigmore CNC - "If you are serious about CNC machine tool maintenance then using a QC20-W ballbar is the only option"

Case study: Wigmore CNC - "If you are serious about CNC machine tool maintenance then using a QC20-W ballbar is the only option"

Dave Wigmore, a former time-served engineer at Mazak, runs a CNC maintenance service company and considers a ballbar critical to operations. When Renishaw introduced the QC20-W telescoping ballbar system he was determined to be the first UK user.
[288kB]
Case study: Aquasub Engineering - Pump manufacturer extends the life of their machine tools and reduces downtime by 10%

Case study: Aquasub Engineering - Pump manufacturer extends the life of their machine tools and reduces downtime by 10%

The Renishaw QC20-W ballbar system is widely recognised as a preventative maintenance tool for new and installed machines. Aquasub Engineering (Coimbatore, India), part of the Aqua Group, one of the largest pump manufacturing companies in Asia, is using QC20-W ballbar to reduce maintenance costs, increase capacity and reduce scrappage.
[389kB]
Case study: The world’s No.1 semiconductor assembly & packaging equipment manufacturer benefits from Renishaw’s innovative products

Case study: The world’s No.1 semiconductor assembly & packaging equipment manufacturer benefits from Renishaw’s innovative products

ASM Pacific Technology Ltd (ASMPT), the world’s largest supplier of wafer assembly and packaging equipment for the semiconductor industry, aims to offer complete factory automation solutions and satisfy customers’ needs through its innovative and cost-effective products.
[1.8MB]
Case study: KMTC promotes the quality standards of Chinese 5-axis CNC machine tools

Case study: KMTC promotes the quality standards of Chinese 5-axis CNC machine tools

Kunming Machine Tool Company Ltd, China, (KMTC) has developed a variety of ‘China’s first’ high performance machine tools, leading the development of machinery and the machine tool industry in China. As a market leader in metrology, Renishaw has provided KMTC with advanced solutions in machine calibration and performance evaluation, including XL-80 laser interferometer, QC20-W telescoping ballbar system, XR20-W rotary axis calibrator and AxiSet™ Check-Up.
[1.2MB]
Case study: Measuring solutions reduce machine tool testing time by up to 6.5 hours

Case study: Measuring solutions reduce machine tool testing time by up to 6.5 hours

A successful machine tool manufacturer, StankoMachComplex was faced with a dilemma. As demand for its growing range of machine tools rapidly increased, the company’s rigorous product testing procedures were creating a bottleneck in production. It needed to accelerate testing throughput while increasing the accuracy of its precision measurements at the same time. A combination of Renishaw’s measurement solutions provided the answer.
[445kB]
Case study: In-house metrology increases machine tool uptime by 20%

Case study: In-house metrology increases machine tool uptime by 20%

With machine tools resources failing outside of their warranty periods and 3-week long waits for external service engineer visits, Omsk State Technical University had to act quickly to protect its teaching, research and industry support services. The introduction of Renishaw’s XL-80 laser interferometer and QC20-W ballbar systems did more than just provide the technical solution the University needed.
[779kB]
Case study: Renishaw and Hartford combine to deliver intelligent, ‘smart factory’ solutions

Case study: Renishaw and Hartford combine to deliver intelligent, ‘smart factory’ solutions

Established in 1965, Hartford is Taiwan’s biggest exporter of CNC machining centres as well as being the country’s largest machining centre manufacturer. It is recognised as one of the CNC machining industry’s leading global brands with a reputation for technological advancement. In the face of global skills shortages and rapidly emerging Industry 4.0 trends, Taiwanese CNC machine manufacturer Hartford undertook to develop an innovative, easier-to-use human machine interface (HMI) for its CNC machines. At the same time the company strived to ensure process measurement and inspection at its CNC machine manufacturing operations could keep pace with everheightening product quality goals.
[650kB]
Case study: Renishaw technology helps Breton calibrate its in-house machinery and control the quality of its output

Case study: Renishaw technology helps Breton calibrate its in-house machinery and control the quality of its output

When Breton SpA wanted to add machine tool manufacture to its core business of building stone-processing machinery, the increase in required levels of precision prompted the introduction of around 30 devices from Renishaw, including laser interferometers, rotary axis calibrators, ballbars and touch-trigger probes. As a result, Breton’s range of high-speed, five-axis CNC machining centres are now among the world’s most advanced.
[514kB]
Case study: Using machine tool probes for precision metrology in the manufacturing of forged wheel and car chassis

Case study: Using machine tool probes for precision metrology in the manufacturing of forged wheel and car chassis

SuperAlloy Industrial Company Ltd. (SAI) is a supplier of highquality lightweight forged metal products.
[949kB]
Case study: Spinner - Machine tool supplier to Ford and Bosch, transforms machine accuracy without design changes

Case study: Spinner - Machine tool supplier to Ford and Bosch, transforms machine accuracy without design changes

Most CNC machine tool manufacturers invest heavily in machine developments that improve accuracy but by using the latest calibration systems at its factory in Istanbul, Turkey, leading manufacturer Spinner has improved specified machine accuracies without the need to change designs. As Mr Nurhan, Technology Manager, explains, “The machine designs are no different but we have actually improved the accuracy, cut the support customers need by up to 90%, and have shown customers that we use the latest technology.”
[440kB]