Prime number-based multistep measurement for separation of roundness errors

Roundness measurement is critical in manufacturing, as it ensures that products conform to precise design specifications. However, traditional multistep measurements for roundness error separation are time-consuming and limited in their ability to separate specific Fourier components. In this study, we propose a novel combined multistep measurement method with prime numbers that overcomes these limitations. We demonstrate this method through three experimental cases, achieving high levels of Fourier components in error separation with a limited number of measurements. Our method combines two ( p and q) or three ( p, q, and r) steps of prime numbers to achieve high levels of Fourier components for error separation, compared to traditional multistep measurements that require more steps. In the first experimental case, we use a 2-step and 5-step measurement to achieve traditional multistep measurement in ten steps. In the second case, we use 3-step and 5-step measurements, and in the third, we combine the 2-step, 3-step, and 5-step measurements. We achieve roundness deviations (RONt) of 12.7, 7.8, and 9.9 nm, respectively, and maximum En-values of 0.8, 0.8, and 0.7, respectively. Our proposed combined multistep measurement method using prime numbers has practical applications in manufacturing, as it reduces the time and resources required for roundness error separation while achieving a higher level of Fourier components. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of our method and its potential to revolutionize roundness measurement in industry.