Machine Tool Metrology Group

The Machine Tool Metrology (MTM) Group is one of the four groups within Manufacturing Metrology Division (MMD) of Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory (MEL). MTM supports Division's mission by conducting research and development in the areas of metrology for characterization of manufacturing equipment performance as well as vibration and shock metrology for providing accelerometer calibration services to U.S. industry.

The group specializes in measurement, modelling, simulations and control of motion covering a wide spectrum - from simple harmonic motion generated by high-precision dynamic actuators to complex multi-degree-of-freedom motion generated by modern multi-axes manufacturing equipment.

The group's primary areas of R&D activities can be summarized by:

Development of next generation single degree-of-freedom dynamic actuators for vibration calibrations;
Providing vibration and shock measurement calibration services;
Characterization, modelling, and improvement of geometric, thermal, elastic, and dynamic properties of high-precision motion systems and manufacturing equipment;
Development of theoretical models for measurement and analysis of complex coordinated motion generated by advanced manufacturing equipment used in manufacturing of high-value components;
Experimental studies to verify these models using state-of-the-art metrology instruments, equipment, and software;
Development of mathematical representations of fabricated components based on data obtained from various on-machine measurement systems.

The group also actively supports national and international standards in the areas of vibration metrology (ISO TC108) as well as machine tool performance characterization (ASME B5 and ISO TC39).

In-Situ 3D Optical and Mechanical Metrology of Fabricated Parts — This project will develop on-machine (in-situ) metrology methods, standards, and performance metrics for inspecting and certifying high-value products while the fabricated part is still fixtured …

Low Frequency Vibration Metrology — This project will complete the research and development required to establish new calibration services and standard measurement procedures in low frequency vibration metrology in the range from …

Low Frequency Vibration SIM Comparison — Conduct a SIM regional comparison with CENAM (Mexico) in the area of low frequency vibration measurement to validate the new low frequency vibration calibration system developed by NIST.

Measurements and Standards for Science-Based Manufacturing — To remain competitive in the global marketplace, U.S. manufacturing is currently implementing fundamental changes, focused on designing and building complex, highly-customized, high quality goods …

Metrology and Standards for Coordinated 5-Axis Motion — This project will develop mathematical models, measurement methods and tools to characterize the performance of complex precisely coordinated 5-axis motion that enables the production of complex …

Next-Generation Rectilinear Wide-Bandwidth Accelerometer Measurements — This project will develop and implement a next-generation calibration system for measurement of dynamic acceleration that would replace four aging calibration systems used in five NIST SP250 …

Performance Metrics for Manufacturing Equipment Used as Measuring Tools — This project will develop the performance standards and standardized performance metrics for on-machine measurements and their associated uncertainty budgets that are critical to achieve accurate, …

Schematic of a metrology frame for use on micro/meso-scale machine tools.

Axis of rotation tests on a non-orthogonal rotary axis.

Axis of rotation test on a non-orthogonal rotary axis.

Alkan Donmez, Group Leader
Jennifer Zanoni, Group Secretary

General Information:
301 975 6618 Telephone
301 975 8058 Facsimile

100 Bureau Drive, M/S 8220
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8220