Ballbar Testing
Fast, wireless circularity testing using Renishaw's QC20-W Ballbar to identify backlash, servo mismatch, axis reversal errors, and squareness issues. Provides a complete snapshot of machine health with minimal downtime.
Keep your CNC machines running at peak performance with precision ballbar testing and comprehensive accuracy verification. Sarkinen Calibrating delivers NIST-traceable measurements that identify wear, alignment issues, and servo problems before they impact production quality. Our wireless Renishaw QC20-W Ballbar system provides fast, reliable diagnostics with minimal downtime, helping manufacturing operations in Portland and SW Washington maintain predictable performance and eliminate costly unexpected failures.
Comprehensive calibration and testing solutions to ensure your CNC machines deliver consistent, precise results every time.
Fast, wireless circularity testing using Renishaw's QC20-W Ballbar to identify backlash, servo mismatch, axis reversal errors, and squareness issues. Provides a complete snapshot of machine health with minimal downtime.
Laser interferometry verification to 1.0 part per million accuracy, measuring positioning, repeatability, straightness, and squareness across full axis travel. Confirms new machines meet warranty specifications.
Precision measurement of angular positioning accuracy, repeatability, and alignment for rotary tables and trunnions using Renishaw's Rotary Calibration System to ensure multi-axis machining accuracy.
Detection and correction of pitch and roll errors in machine beds, guideways, and structures using Mahr-Federal Electronic Level. Identifies alignment issues from installation, relocation, or foundation movement.
Expert flatness verification including Moody Plot analysis to maintain accuracy of reference planes. Monitors wear over time to ensure consistent inspection and layout work reliability.
Hands-on instruction for Renishaw Laser Interferometer, QC20-W Ballbar, and CNC operation. Teaches setup, data collection, result interpretation, and troubleshooting for in-house diagnostics capability.
Initial Consultation and Machine Assessment
We begin by understanding your production requirements and machine history. Our team evaluates equipment type, recent service work, and any accuracy concerns you've experienced. This Portland-area assessment helps us recommend the most effective testing approach, whether you need ballbar diagnostics, full laser calibration, or targeted troubleshooting for specific performance issues.
Precision Measurement and Data Collection
Detailed Analysis and Problem Identification
Recommendations and Documentation
Follow-Up Support and Verification
See how precision calibration helps manufacturers maintain accuracy and eliminate unexpected downtime across Portland and SW Washington.
"As plant manager at Triad, I am always looking for ways of testing and measuring the condition of our large machines. Our outside repair tech suggested that I have Sarkinen Calibrating run their Ball Bar Test on all of our machines to show if we had any critical wear issues..."
"I have worked with Mr Sarkinen on a job in Portland He is a Highly Skilled, Knowledgable Professional. I would definitely recomend him for all your Machine Tool Calibration Metrics. Sincerely Curtis Page Naughtellis CNC Service"
"This guy knows his stuff. Would definately recommend! Friendly good people!"
"As plant manager at Triad, I am always looking for ways of testing and measuring the condition of our large machines. Our outside repair tech suggested that I have Sarkinen Calibrating run their Ball Bar Test on all of our machines to show if we had any critical wear issues..."
"I have worked with Mr Sarkinen on a job in Portland He is a Highly Skilled, Knowledgable Professional. I would definitely recomend him for all your Machine Tool Calibration Metrics. Sincerely Curtis Page Naughtellis CNC Service"
"This guy knows his stuff. Would definately recommend! Friendly good people!"
"As plant manager at Triad, I am always looking for ways of testing and measuring the condition of our large machines. Our outside repair tech suggested that I have Sarkinen Calibrating run their Ball Bar Test on all of our machines to show if we had any critical wear issues..."
"I have worked with Mr Sarkinen on a job in Portland He is a Highly Skilled, Knowledgable Professional. I would definitely recomend him for all your Machine Tool Calibration Metrics. Sincerely Curtis Page Naughtellis CNC Service"
"This guy knows his stuff. Would definately recommend! Friendly good people!"
Local expertise with NIST-traceable precision and a machine operator's understanding of what matters in production.
Portland and SW Washington service with faster response times than out-of-area providers, minimizing production disruption.
Measurements to 1.0 part per million, fully traceable to NIST and International Standards, exceeding the 10:1 calibration ratio.
Founded by a former machine operator who understands production operations, not just equipment specifications and maintenance procedures.
Beyond basic calibration—we identify problems, provide actionable recommendations, and help establish predictable maintenance schedules.
Founded by a machine operator who understands your challenges.
Founder
Larry's journey into precision calibration began on the machine shop floor, where he operated CNC equipment and experienced firsthand the frustrations of unexpected downtime and accuracy issues. This background gave him a unique perspective—he understood that calibration wasn't just about maintaining equipment to specifications, but about enabling consistent, predictable production. Drawing on his machine operator experience, Larry built Sarkinen Calibrating around the principle that effective calibration service requires understanding the entire machining operation, not just the measurement equipment. Today, he applies that same operator's mindset to every service call, looking beyond the numbers to provide solutions that genuinely improve production quality and efficiency. His approach has helped manufacturers across Portland OR and SW Washington eliminate unexpected downtime and maintain the predictable operation that modern manufacturing demands.
What is ballbar testing?
Ballbar testing uses a precision telescoping ball-bar device attached between the machine spindle and table to trace a circular path. The Renishaw QC20-W Ballbar measures deviations from perfect circularity, revealing critical machine errors like backlash, servo mismatch, axis reversal problems, and squareness issues. It's one of the fastest and most effective ways to assess overall CNC machine health and validate recent service work.
How long does ballbar testing take?
How accurate are your measurements?
Can you verify machines still under warranty?
Do you service machines outside Portland and SW Washington?
What problems can ballbar testing identify?
How often should machines be calibrated?
What documentation do you provide?
Talk to our calibration experts for a free consultation about your equipment and accuracy needs.
Local calibration service with faster response times than out-of-area providers, plus capability to help customers beyond our primary service area.
Portland & SW WA
Primary Service Area
5.0 Stars
Customer Rating
Fast Local Service
Response Time
Contact us to discuss your location and equipment needs—we serve Portland, SW Washington, and beyond.
All measurements traceable to NIST Standards
Highest customer satisfaction on Google
Authorized use of industry-leading calibration equipment
Get a free consultation and quote for ballbar testing, laser calibration, or comprehensive machine accuracy verification. We'll respond quickly to minimize disruption to your production schedule.
For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at (360) 907-3058 You can also send us a quick email at
For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at (360) 907-3058 You can also send us a quick email at