Loss of a Degree of Freedom
In a working volume of the Gage there can be a loss of a degree of freedom (natural rotation of each joint). With this loss, temporary bending occurs on the transfer tubes of the Gage causing a movement of the probe position that cannot be recorded by the Gage’s encoder system. Measurement results taken in these positions are not accurate. This condition is never encountered in the compensation of the Gage. Common areas of measurement where this loss occurs are:
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when an encoder has reached a hard end stop,
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directly above the Gage, or
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in close to the base of the Gage.
The Gage should always feel fluid in its movement. If excessive force is needed to move to a measuring location, a degree of freedom has probably been lost.
