A method for the selection of algorithms for form characterization of nominally spherical surfaces

This paper presents a method for the selection of algorithms for the form characterization of nominally spherical surfaces. The form characterization is applied to discrete data obtained from a three-dimensional (3-D) high-precision measurement system. In this paper, five sphere-fitting algorithms are outlined and compared. The fitting algorithms under investigation are: linear and nonlinear least-squares sphere fit, minimum zone sphere fit, four-point sphere fit, and sphere fit by error curve analysis. A method for selection of the best-fit algorithm, based on a spectral analysis of the surface irregularity is suggested and applied to the surface measurement of worn electrical switching contacts.