For the entire loading range, both the measurement and control of platen displacement is automatically corrected so that it corresponds to the deformation that occurs between the platen and the load button of the load cell. In this way, the platen displacement is corrected for strain in the load cell and side columns, bending flexure of the cross beams, and distortion within the motorised mechanical transmission.

The GDSVIS is computer calibrated to provide precise data on the load-deformation relationship of the entire load application and load measuring system. These measurements are made with the adjustable upper cross beam in the maximum and minimum positions. For each position, measurements are made with the platen at each end of its travel.

The calibration data is loaded into the read only memory (ROM) of the system which constantly monitors the axial load and uses the calibration to apply a correction to the platen displacement. Therefore, it appears to the observer (or controlling computer) that the measurement of platen displacement (resolved to 0.1 micrometre) is derived from a machine with infinite stiffness. In this way the system has the characteristic of Virtual Infinite Stiffness.