The laser has found application to measurements on machine tools as a coherent source for interferometric measurement mainly in the field of metrology, and M.T.I.R.A. have used a laser interferometer calibrator for the last two years. The next application will probably be on measuring machines, and it is unlikely to be used as a machine tool scale in the near future unless an accuracy of 1 part in 106 is required.
A second use of the laser is to provide a well-collimated high-intensity beam of light which can be used as a straight-edge. Commercial tooling lasers for alignment are available and an in-process gauging system has been developed using a laser straight-edge.
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