KEVOS® MAKEOS · Quality
Abbe Offset Error
How much error does an offset between the scale and the measured feature cause?
Measurement error caused by an offset between the measuring axis and the scale axis when the slide tilts (Abbe error), compared with the tolerance being checked.
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How this tool works
Inputs, units and where to find them
| Input | Unit | Typical source |
|---|---|---|
| Offset between scale and measured line | mm | Perpendicular distance between the instrument scale and the line along which the feature is measured (e.g. caliper jaw depth). |
| Angular error of the slide | arc-seconds | Angular play or straightness error of the slide, from the instrument specification or a test. |
| Tolerance band being checked (total) | mm | Total tolerance band of the feature, upper minus lower limit. |
Method and formulas
- Abbe error = offset × tan(tilt angle).
- Share of tolerance = error ÷ tolerance band × 100%.
- Example: a 30 mm offset with 20″ of tilt gives 2.9089 µm, 5.8178% of a 0.05 mm band.
Limitations
- Only the first-order Abbe error is calculated; other error sources (scale, temperature, force) add to it.
- Example values are illustrations. Replace them with values for your actual task.
Typical uses
- Judge whether calipers or a height gauge are suitable for a tolerance
- Explain differences between instruments
- Plan a measurement set-up
Who it is for
- Quality inspectors
- Toolmakers
- Metrology technicians
What you get
- Abbe error
- Error as a share of the tolerance
Interpreting the result
- Compare the share with the measurement-capability rule your organisation uses (often a fraction of the tolerance).
References
- Machinery’s Handbook, 29th edition (Industrial Press, 2012), printed pp. 709–735. Topic reference; no source tables or recommended settings are reproduced.
WORKOS tools are screening and decision-support utilities. Verify important financial, engineering, safety, legal or operational decisions using appropriate professional standards and your organisation’s approved data.
