Book excerpt: The realm of ultraprecise mechanisms, for example in controlling motion to small fractions of a micrometer, is encroaching rapidly into many fields of technology. This book provides a bridge for those moving from either an engineering or physics background towards the unique challenges offered by ultraprecision mechanisms. Using case study examples this book provides a guide to basic techniques and gives vital technical, analytical and practical information. S.T. Smith and D.J. Chetwynd are both at the Department of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK This title available in eBook format. Click here for more information. Visit our eBookstore at: www.ebookstore.tandf.co.uk.