MTL Precision’s Metrology Software Passes Independent PTB Testing for Geometry Evaluation Accuracy
Independent testing by Germany’s National Metrology Institute verifies numerical performance of MTL Precision least-squares geometry evaluation algorithms
Tefen, Israel — June 2025 — MTL Precision announced that its metrology software successfully passed independent numerical testing conducted by the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Germany’s National Metrology Institute and supreme technical authority for metrology.
The testing independently evaluated the numerical accuracy of least-squares geometry evaluation algorithms implemented in MARS 1.1.1363 30, comparing geometric results calculated by MTL Precision software algorithms directly against PTB-generated reference results.
All tested deviations remained below PTB’s defined Maximum Permissible Errors (MPE), resulting in a PASS.
The PTB acceptance limits applied during the evaluation were:
Evaluated Characteristic | Maximum Permissible Error |
Location | 0.50 µm |
Size | 0.50 µm |
Orientation | 1.00 µrad |
Angle | 1.00 µrad |
The independent evaluation provides manufacturers with additional evidence that the numerical algorithms responsible for transforming coordinate measurement data into geometric results perform within PTB’s specified acceptance limits.
Six Fundamental Geometries Independently Evaluated
PTB tested MTL Precision algorithms used to calculate six fundamental geometric features commonly used in dimensional metrology:
The evaluation included 44 coordinate-measurement datasets, containing between eight and 50 measurement points per dataset.
PTB generated the datasets through computational simulation of coordinate measurements and designed them to represent a range of measurement conditions, including different feature positions and orientations, irregular measurement-point distributions, and random and systematic geometric deviations between 20 µm and 50 µm.
MTL Precision processed the datasets in the same manner as coordinate data obtained from a coordinate measuring machine.
The resulting geometric parameters calculated by MTL Precision were then compared directly with PTB reference values.
Across every tested characteristic, MTL Precision remained within the specified PTB Maximum Permissible Errors.
Geometry Evaluation Accuracy Matters
Dimensional measurement involves more than capturing coordinate points.
Once measurement data is collected, metrology software must mathematically evaluate those points to determine the geometry that best represents the measured feature. Those calculations can ultimately contribute to reported dimensions, positions, sizes, orientations, angles, and other characteristics used for manufacturing and quality decisions.
MTL Precision uses Gaussian least-squares evaluation to determine associated geometric features from measured coordinate data.
For example, when evaluating a circle, the software calculates the associated circle that minimizes the sum of the squared deviations between the measured points and the calculated geometry. The same mathematical principle is applied to the other geometric features covered by the PTB test.
Because these calculated geometries form the foundation for subsequent dimensional evaluation, the numerical performance of the underlying algorithms is an important part of measurement confidence.
Independent Verification Beyond Internal Software Validation
Metrology software developers routinely conduct internal software verification and validation. Independent evaluation provides an additional level of evidence by comparing software-generated results against reference values established by an external metrology authority.
For the MTL Precision evaluation, PTB independently generated the test datasets and reference results before comparing those values with calculations produced by MTL Precision.
The successful test provides objective evidence of the numerical performance of the evaluated MTL Precision geometry algorithms across multiple geometries, point distributions, feature positions, orientations, and simulated geometric deviations.
For manufacturers operating in highly controlled environments—including aerospace manufacturing, MRO, precision machining, and other advanced manufacturing applications—this independent verification can provide additional confidence in the calculations supporting dimensional inspection results.
It is particularly relevant when organizations must compare or correlate measurement results across different inspection systems, production locations, or measurement technologies.
About PTB
The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) is the National Metrology Institute and supreme technical authority of the Federal Republic of Germany for metrology.
PTB is responsible for the realization, maintenance, and dissemination of legal units in accordance with the International System of Units (SI) and sits at the top of Germany’s metrological hierarchy.
PTB meets the requirements for calibration and testing laboratories defined in DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 and works internationally with other National Metrology Institutes through organizations including EURAMET and within the framework of the Metre Convention to support worldwide consistency in measurement.
Measurement Data You Can Defend
MTL Precision develops high-speed dimensional inspection technology for demanding precision-manufacturing applications.
MTL inspection systems capture measurement data and transforms that data into geometric results. PTB has now independently tested the numerical accuracy of the least-squares algorithms behind those calculations.
For manufacturers whose inspection results influence production, quality, and part-acceptance decisions, that independent evaluation provides another layer of confidence in the measurement process.
PTB Test Report: PTB 5.32-4123743
Software Tested: MARS 1.1.1363 30
Test Date: June 22, 2025
Test Result: PASSED
About MTL Precision
MTL Precision develops advanced dimensional inspection systems and metrology software for aerospace and precision manufacturing. Its non-contact inspection technologies are designed to help manufacturers accelerate dimensional inspection, automate complex measurement workflows, and transform measurement data into actionable manufacturing information.
