Evaluating a task-specific measurement uncertainty for gear measuring instruments via Monte Carlo simulation

• Software for Monte Carlo simulation of measurement uncertainty of gear measurements.
• Mathematical uncertainty models for rotary table, clamping and scanning.
• Consideration of systematic errors in the uncertainty budget.
• Successful validation of Monte Carlo method by experimental calibration.

Evaluating the measurement uncertainty for gears with analytical or experimental methods is usually very time- and cost-consuming. In this paper we therefore present a Monte Carlo based method for evaluating the measurement uncertainty of gear measurements on gear measuring instruments, the VCMM-Gear, which is based on the method of the VCMM for coordinate measuring machines. Necessary extensions of the mathematical model of the measurement process in order to consider the significant uncertainty influences from rotary tables, workpiece clamping and scanning are described. Additionally the statistical reliability of the evaluated measurement uncertainty and the consideration of systematic error contributions to the measurement uncertainty are discussed. Finally the results of some first verification measurements are presented, giving a reliable impression of the capability and suitability of the VCMM-Gear.