Ballbar Performance Testing
Fast, wireless CNC machine health assessment using Renishaw's QC20-W Ballbar to evaluate true circularity and identify backlash, servo mismatch, axis reversal errors, and squareness problems affecting production accuracy.
Ensure your CNC machines deliver consistent precision with professional ballbar testing from Sarkinen Calibrating. Using Renishaw's QC20-W Ballbar system, we quickly identify critical wear issues like backlash, servo mismatch, and squareness problems before they impact production quality. Serving Portland OR and SW Washington with faster response times than distant providers, we help manufacturing facilities minimize unexpected downtime and maintain the accuracy their customers depend on.
Comprehensive machine performance evaluation using industry-leading Renishaw technology to identify accuracy issues before they affect your parts.
Fast, wireless CNC machine health assessment using Renishaw's QC20-W Ballbar to evaluate true circularity and identify backlash, servo mismatch, axis reversal errors, and squareness problems affecting production accuracy.
Precision verification of each linear axis using Renishaw's Laser Interferometer with 1.0 parts per million accuracy. Measures positioning accuracy, repeatability, straightness, and squareness across full travel with NIST-traceable results.
Comprehensive rotary component verification using Renishaw's Rotary Calibration System to measure angular positioning accuracy, repeatability, and alignment of rotary tables and trunnions for multi-axis machining operations.
Electronic level testing using Mahr-Federal equipment to detect pitch and roll errors in machine beds, guideways, and structures. Identifies alignment issues from installation, relocation, or foundation movement affecting axis geometry.
Expert leveling and flatness verification including Moody Plot analysis to maintain surface plate accuracy. Ensures your inspection reference planes remain reliable as wear occurs over time in production environments.
Hands-on training for Renishaw Laser Interferometer and QC20-W Ballbar systems. Learn proper setup, data collection, result interpretation, and troubleshooting for in-house diagnostics and machine performance evaluation.
Initial Machine Assessment and Test Planning
We evaluate your CNC machine's configuration, recent performance history, and specific concerns. For Portland OR and SW Washington facilities, our local presence means we can respond quickly when accuracy issues emerge, scheduling testing during planned downtime to minimize production disruption.
Wireless Ballbar Setup and Calibration
Circular Interpolation Testing and Data Collection
Comprehensive Data Analysis and Diagnostics
Detailed Reporting and Maintenance Recommendations
Manufacturing facilities throughout Portland OR and SW Washington rely on our ballbar testing to maintain production quality.
"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!"
Founded by a former machine operator, we understand production operations from your perspective.
Serving Portland OR and SW Washington with faster response times than distant providers when accuracy issues emerge.
All measurements traceable to NIST and International Standards, exceeding the 10:1 ratio required for proper calibration.
Wireless ballbar setup and efficient testing procedures minimize production disruption while delivering comprehensive machine health data.
Founded by a machine operator who understands that calibration is about production solutions, not just equipment maintenance.
Experience built from the machine floor up.
Founder
Larry founded Sarkinen Calibrating with a unique perspective that sets the company apart in the precision measurement industry. Starting his career as a machine operator, Larry experienced firsthand the frustrations of unexpected downtime, accuracy problems, and the critical connection between machine calibration and production quality. This background shaped his approach to calibration services—viewing each engagement not simply as equipment maintenance, but as an opportunity to solve real production challenges and improve manufacturing efficiency. His operator-level understanding of how calibration impacts daily production operations allows him to communicate effectively with both shop floor personnel and management. Larry built Sarkinen Calibrating on the principle that proper machine calibration should provide highly predictable operation with minimal disruption, helping manufacturers deliver consistent quality to their customers. His commitment to providing solutions rather than just measurements has made Sarkinen Calibrating the trusted calibration partner for manufacturing facilities throughout Portland OR and SW Washington.
What is the ball bar test for CNC?
The ballbar test uses a precision telescoping bar with magnetic cups at each end to measure how accurately a CNC machine can execute circular movements. One end mounts to the machine table while the other attaches to the spindle. As the machine traces circular patterns, the ballbar measures deviations from perfect circularity, revealing mechanical issues like backlash, servo problems, squareness errors, and wear patterns that affect part accuracy.
How long does a ballbar test take?
How often should I have ballbar testing performed?
What problems can ballbar testing identify?
Can ballbar testing be done on any CNC machine?
Do I need to prepare my machine before ballbar testing?
What's included in the ballbar test report?
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Talk to our calibration experts for personalized guidance on maintaining your CNC machine accuracy.
Local precision calibration services with faster response times than out-of-area providers for manufacturing facilities throughout the region.
Portland OR & SW WA
Primary Service Area
5.0 Stars
Customer Rating
Local & Fast
Response Time
Contact Sarkinen Calibrating today to schedule ballbar testing and minimize unexpected downtime.
All measurements traceable to National Standards
Perfect customer satisfaction rating on Google
Authorized for Renishaw calibration systems
Contact Sarkinen Calibrating to discuss your machine accuracy needs. We'll respond quickly with scheduling options and a detailed service proposal.
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