This paper describes the possibilities of measuring deformation of
machine tool components based on monitoring change in the optical
beam path. Deformation is evaluated relatively between an optical
beam source and a sensing element. The great advantage lies in the
fact that an active sensing element can be replaced by a passive optical
element. No electronics needs to be installed in the measured place.
Thus there is no necessity to protect electronic elements in a harsh
environment. Another advantage is no need for statically arranged cables
when measuring deformation on moving components. The measuring
equipment presented in this paper consists of a measuring part and a part
for measuring the motion of the reference beam. The position of a stiff
body in space is clearly defined by 6 coordinates. The described optical
equipment enables measurement of 4 coordinates, or 5 coordinates if an
interferometer is used. The unmeasured coordinate describes the rotation
of the measured body around the axis parallel with the optical beam.
