EXPERIMENT No: 8

OBJECT: Measurement of straightness of bed using autocollimator.

EQUIPMENT USED: Autocollimator, precision bed, reflector.
THEORY: Aline is said to be straight over a given length, if variation of the distance of its
general direction of lines
point from two planes perpendicular to each other and parallel to being
remains within the specified tolerance limit. the reference planes so chosen that their
be test and two
intersection is parallel to the line joining points suitably located on line to straightness
tolerance on the of a
points being close to ends of lengths to be mea_ured. The joining the two
line is defined as the max. deviation in variation to the reference straight line
extremities of the line to be checked.

Principle of Autocollimator: An autocollimator works by projecting an image ontoa target

visually or
mirror, and measuring the deflection of the returned image against a scale, either
by means of an electronic detector.[1]
plone reflector
focol planel

29

Figure 1- Principle of Autocollimator

Figure 2 - Autocollimator [1]

 Illumination

Filter

Condensor

Diffusor
Object Reticle Objective Lens

Eyepiece Eyepiece Reticle Beam Splitter

Figure 3- Diagram showing parts of autocollimator (1]

Types of Autocollimator:
1) (Visual Autocollimator- Visual autocollimators rely on the operator's eye as the in
varying resolution among operators, but most visual autocollimators can resolve from
3-to-5 arc-seconds. Visual autocollimators may also be used for measuring multiple
surfaces at the same time, which makes them ideal in alignment applications such as
checking parallalism among optics. With this type of autocollimator, operators view
the reflected image through an eyepiece photo detector.[1]

Figure 4- Visual Autocollimator [1]

an electronic
2)/ Electronic autocollimators- Digital or Electronic autocollimators use
photo detector to detect and reflect the beam. These instruments process the signal,
retrieved using a
which creates a calibrated angular output that can commonly be
digital display and interface, or with analog outputs if available.Digital or electronic
autocollimators are typically used for calibrating rotary tables, checking angle
standards, providing angular feedback, and more. They are up to 100 decreasetimes more
accurate than a visual autocollimator. They increase repeatability and
measurement time, but they have difficulty resolving out-of-focus images.[2]
 light sOurce
reflected beam when mirror is perpendicular to autocollimator

||| reflected beam when mirror is tilted

detecting surface
Figure 5- Electronic Autocollimator [2]

3)/ Laser Autocollimators- Ituses laser light sources. They are specialized instruments,
measurements are desired.) Many are
which are ideal any time very low noise
components, miníature mirrors
designed for measuring small test parts such as silicon
and fiber optic components.[1]

¤pplications: autocollimators can be used to measure the

1) Back focal of lenses and optical systems.
2) Centration error of spherical surfaces.
transmission.
3) Centration error of lenses in surfaces.
of two
4) Parallelism or perpendicularity spherical
convex surfaces. [1]
5) Radius of concave and
PROCEDURE: horizontal
vertical and horizontal travel locks rotate the vertical and
1. First release the
level and in lateral position in
hand wheels to bring the autocollimator tube to the
Fasten of the locks.
coincidence with the mirror respectively.
make the axis of autocollimator tube perpendicular
Releasing the swivel and tilt locks attentively.
2.
viewing from above and sides. Fasten up locks
to the mirror surface
slightly aside the autocollimator at the same level as
Then, placing the eye behind and image of the
3.
at the mirror directly to observe the reflected the tube and
the mirror, look the tilt lock to such an extent
that
autocollimator in the mirror. Releasing
its image in the mirror are
seen exactly aligned. the
swivel look and looking into the eyepiece, slowly swing across
4. Thereafter, release the so
willbe seen
doing, the cross hair imnage visible
autocollimator tube right and left. In
the image is withinthe
swinging in the position where
the view field. Stop swivel lock. comes to the
view field. Fasten up the adjustment screws so that cross hair center
5. Furthermore, turn the fine vertical and horizontal scale.
intersection of 15' lens of the
 a Reflector tilted
H00
Collimator
2a reticle

Eyepiece
Objective lens reticle

Figure 6 - Autocollimator (2]

(b) Diopter Adjustment:

1. Looking into eyepiece turn the diopter ring until the sharpest image of scale is
obtained in the view field.

(c) Focusing Cross Hair Image:

1. If cross hair image in the view field is not sharp then either turn eye lens of
micrometer to the best Focusing or adjust the lamp after releasing the locks.
2. Lower the brightness of illumination of lamp by lowering lamp voltage from its rated
value of 6v to appropriate level of darkness.
3. Mirror's surrounding should be preferably dark.
(d) Measurement:
with
1. At reference point, the horizontal and vertical scales will show following reading
reference to cross hair with micromneter at zero reading.
In horizontal direction 15 00"
In verticaldirection 15° 00
keeping vertical
2. Move the reflecting mirror by one step (1 mm) from initial position,
guide family pressed against guide of bed, slowly. main scale 9horizontal scale only.
3. Now cross hairsnew position shall beread with the adjustment screw
4. After taking reading, bring micrometer reading 2 zero and use fine
in 1.
to bring cross hair at position explained the procedure.
5. Move the mirror one more step and repeat
6. Take the movement of hair to the right as positive
and on left side as negative.
UNE OF SKGHT

AUI0-COLLIMATOR A CUMUL ATINVE HEIGHTS FROM DATUM

B
INE OF F1RSI
REAONG USED AS DAIUM
Figure 7- Cumulative Height from Datum
OBSERVATIONS:

Least count of main scale of... =

Least count of micro meter =

Internal step length = L mm

One second of arc = 4.8x10
Rise or Cumulative Adjustment Error
Sr.No Position Reading on from
horizontal fall in rise or fall to bring
scale 0 interval Eh mm both ends straight
length h' to zero line
mm

1 0 0 0 0

2 L-2L h hl -H/n H,-H/n

2L-3L 02 hl+h, -2H/n (hth)
-2H/n

nL.
(n+1)L On h,, Zhn-H -H Ehn
n+1 H-0

1. Draw graph of. Eh vs. L.

2. Draw graph between error distances along the bed edge.
3. Draw graph between error distances along the bed edge.
RESULTS: The straightness error of bed =
PRECAUTION AND DISCUSSION: When using the autocollimator one should adhere to
the safety regulations.
1) Prior to operation it is necessary to earth the power unit.
2) When the instrument is switched on, it is prohibited:
3) to replace the fuse link:
4) to replace the lamp in the illuminator.
5) Only the persons briefed on the safety precautions are allowed to use the
autocollimator

REFERENCES:
1)http://www.globalspec.com/learnmore/optical _components_optics/optoelectronics/autoc
ollimators [18-06-2017]
2)https://www.google.co.in/search?q=autocollimator&source=Inms&tbm=isch&sa-X&ved=
OahUKEwjCuZPgOrfUAhUGSo8KHZGOCEQ_ AUICigB&biw=1517&bih-693[19-06
2017]
Tools ,Tata Mc Graw-Hil
3)P.N Rao, Manufacturing Technology, MetalCutting & Machinepage-371.(17-06-2017]
Publishing Company Limited New Delhi , twelfth reprint 2005,