40th International Conference on Production Engineering of Serbia
ICPES 2025
Nis, Serbia, 18-19th september 2025
COMPARISON OF LASER INTERFEROMETER SYSTEMS FOR MEASURING POSITIONAL ACCURACY OF MACHINE TOOLS
Alexander Buda Budimir, Slobodan Tabakovic, Milan Zeljkovic, Saša Živanovic, Zoran Dimic
DOI: 10.46793/ICPES25.446B
Laser interferometers have become indispensable tools in the high-precision calibration of machine tools, offering sub-micron resolution and enhanced measurement reliability. Since the introduction of stabilized helium–neon (He–Ne) lasers in the 1960s, manufacturers like Hewlett-Packard (HP), Renishaw, and Lasertex have developed systems with increasingly advanced capabilities. This paper presents a technical and historical comparison of three key interferometric systems: HP’s 5525A, Renishaw’s XL-80, and Lasertex’s HPI-3D. The analysis includes specifications such as laser stability, resolution, environmental compensation, and dynamic measurement capabilities. The HP 5525A, although historically significant, lacks modern portability and software integration. In contrast, Renishaw’s XL-80 offers compactness, advanced environmental compensation, and compatibility with international metrology standards. Lasertex’s HPI-3D introduces next-generation capabilities, such as real-time vibration analysis, nanometric resolution, and full 3D geometric evaluation. The comparative findings suggest a clear technological evolution toward higher precision, modularity, and software-driven diagnostics in laser interferometry
Laser interferometer, Machine tool accuracy, Displacement measurement, Positioning accuracy, Machine tool calibration
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