Metrology for the NCSX Project

The National Compact Stellerator Experiment (NCSX) is being constructed at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) in partnership with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The complex geometry and tight fabrication tolerances of the NCSX's non-planar coils and vacuum vessel necessitate the use of computerized, CAD-based metrology systems capable of very accurate and reasonably quick measurements. To date, multi-link, portable coordinate measuring machines (pCMM) are used in the fabrication of the non-planar coils. Characterization of the CNC machined coil winding form and subsequent positioning of the conductor centroid (to within +/-0.5 mm) are accomplished via multiple sets of detailed measurements. A laser tracker is used for all phases of work on the vacuum vessel including positioning magnetic diagnostics and vessel ports prior to welding. Future tasks requiring metrology include positioning of the magnet systems and assembly of the three vacuum vessel sub-assemblies onto the final machine configuration. This paper describes the hardware and software used for metrology, as well as the methodology for achieving the required dimensional control and will present an overview of the measurement results to date.