ABSTRACT
In this chapter alignment and assembly principles for the development of precision systems are discussed. The chapter first presents the important alignment principles that can result in Abbe, cosine and sine errors. Assembly and joining methods of both mechanical and optical systems are then presented. A general overview of alignment principles for linear and rotatory stages, and optical systems (for example linear encoders, displacement interferometers and lenses) is given. Throughout the chapter, simple illustrations are used to help convey the concepts and where applicable additional references are provided that may be of further interest.
