What Is Ballbar Calibration? Why Is It Done?
Last updated: 4 November 2026
Ballbar calibration quickly measures circular interpolation errors in CNC machines. It identifies backlash and squareness deviations before scrap is produced.
What Does a Ballbar Measure?
A ballbar is a precision length sensor attached to the machine. A circular interpolation program is run on the CNC; deviations such as backlash, squareness, scale mismatch, and servo mismatch are generated in the report. A green result in the morning and a red result in the afternoon usually indicates a thermal or backlash problem.
When Should It Be Done?
After installation, after a severe crash/breakdown, during periodic maintenance, and when complaints about dimensional inaccuracies begin. In mass production lines, it is planned monthly or according to shift intensity. When used together with a laser interferometer, both linear and circular accuracy become clear.
Is a Ballbar Alone Enough?
No. Spindle vibration, workholding, and tool wear also cause dimensional deviations. A ballbar shows the machine geometry; it does not isolate part-related errors on its own. Alarm codes, ballbar data, and, if necessary, spindle measurements should be interpreted together.
Wiesser technical servicete kalibrasyon
Axis backlash is detected early using ballbar and laser calibration. Open a Service Request; include the serial number and specify which axis has the deviation.
FAQ
What Is the Difference Between Ballbar and Laser?
A ballbar provides rapid diagnostics on a circular path. A laser interferometer measures linear axis positioning errors with high resolution. The two are complementary.