Abbe error, named after Ernst Abbe, also called sine error, describes the magnification of angular error over distance. For example, when one measures a point that is 1 meter away at 45 degrees, an angular error of 1 degree corresponds to a positional error of over 1.745 cm, equivalent to a distance-measurement error of 1.745%.

In machine design, some components are particularly sensitive to angular errors. For example, if the shaft of a lathe

Lathe

A lathe is a machine tool which rotates the workpiece on its axis to perform various operations such as cutting, sanding, knurling, drilling, or deformation with tools that are applied to the workpiece to create an object which has symmetry about an axis of rotation.Lathes are used in woodturning,...

 is angled slightly, the part will have errors in diameter far down the part.

Abbe error can be detrimental to dead reckoning

Dead reckoning

In navigation, dead reckoning is the process of calculating one's current position by using a previously determined position, or fix, and advancing that position based upon known or estimated speeds over elapsed time, and course...

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Formula:

External links

• http://www.newport.com/servicesupport/Tutorials/default.aspx?id=143
• http://www.aerotech.com/products/engref/strait.html