Evaluating Coordinate Measuring Machine Software Geometry Uncertainties Using National and International Standards

In coordinate metrology, evaluating task specific measurement uncertainty can be difficult, a problem which prompted the current development of several related standards at the national and international levels. Software that processes coordinate data can be an important, but often overlooked, component of measurement uncertainty. This paper describes the historically significant role software has played as an error source for measurements in coordinate metrology. It describes various kinds of fitting software and some of their potential problems. It then gives a series of practical and often easy steps users can take that will either increase confidence in such software or reveal some of its problems.