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Expert CNC Ballbar Testing Services

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.

Technician performing CNC ballbar testing on a precision milling machine

Our CNC Ballbar Testing Services

Comprehensive machine performance evaluation using industry-leading Renishaw technology to identify accuracy issues before they affect your parts.

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.

Linear Calibration

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.

Rotary Axis Calibration

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.

Machine Leveling

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.

Surface Plate Verification

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.

Calibration Training

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.

CNC ballbar testing process showing wireless setup and data analysis

Our Proven Ballbar Testing Process

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

Trusted By Manufacturers

Success Stories

Manufacturing facilities throughout Portland OR and SW Washington rely on our ballbar testing to maintain production quality.

"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"

fab c
fab c

"This guy knows his stuff. Would definately recommend! Friendly good people!"

Lucas Pukas
Lucas Pukas

"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..."

Mike Mills

"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"

fab c
fab c

"This guy knows his stuff. Would definately recommend! Friendly good people!"

Lucas Pukas
Lucas Pukas

"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..."

Mike Mills

"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"

fab c
fab c

"This guy knows his stuff. Would definately recommend! Friendly good people!"

Lucas Pukas
Lucas Pukas

"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..."

Mike Mills
The Sarkinen Difference

Why Choose Sarkinen Calibrating?

Founded by a former machine operator, we understand production operations from your perspective.

Local Expertise

Serving Portland OR and SW Washington with faster response times than distant providers when accuracy issues emerge.

NIST-Traceable Accuracy

All measurements traceable to NIST and International Standards, exceeding the 10:1 ratio required for proper calibration.

Minimal Downtime

Wireless ballbar setup and efficient testing procedures minimize production disruption while delivering comprehensive machine health data.

Operator's Perspective

Founded by a machine operator who understands that calibration is about production solutions, not just equipment maintenance.

Meet The Sarkinen Team

Experience built from the machine floor up.

Larry, Founder of Sarkinen Calibrating

Larry

Founder

Larry's journey from machine operator to calibration service founder gives him a unique perspective that goes far beyond equipment maintenance. Having operated CNC machines firsthand, he understands the real-world production challenges manufacturers face daily—the frustration of unexpected downtime, the cost of scrap from axis errors, and the pressure to maintain tight tolerances. This operator-level experience drives his approach to calibration: it's not just about verifying numbers, it's about delivering solutions that genuinely increase production quality and efficiency. Larry built Sarkinen Calibrating on the principle that precision calibration should eliminate problems before they disrupt operations, providing manufacturers with the confidence that their equipment will perform exactly as promised. His hands-on background means he approaches every calibration with practical insight into how machine accuracy directly impacts your production floor, helping you achieve highly predictable operation with minimal disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

How much does ballbar testing cost?

Have More Questions About Ballbar Testing?

Talk to our calibration experts for personalized guidance on maintaining your CNC machine accuracy.

Serving Portland OR and SW Washington

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

Ready to Improve Your Machine Accuracy?

Contact Sarkinen Calibrating today to schedule ballbar testing and minimize unexpected downtime.

Certified & Trusted

Awards and Recognition

NIST traceable calibration certified

NIST Traceability

All measurements traceable to National Standards

Five star customer rating badge

5-Star Rated Service

Perfect customer satisfaction rating on Google

Renishaw authorized service provider

Renishaw Certified

Authorized for Renishaw calibration systems

Schedule Your CNC Ballbar Test Today

Contact Sarkinen Calibrating to discuss your machine accuracy needs. We'll respond quickly with scheduling options and a detailed service proposal.

Contact Us Today

For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at (360) 907-3058.