Modeling Approach of Regression Orthogonal Experiment Design for Thermal Error Compensation of CNC Turning Center

The thermal induced errors can account for as much as 70% of the dimensional errors on a workpiece. Accurate modeling of errors is an essential part of error compensation. Base on analyzing the existing approaches of the thermal error modeling for machine tools, a new approach of regression orthogonal design is proposed, which combines the statistic theory with machine structures, surrounding condition, engineering judgements, and experience in modeling. A whole computation and analysis procedure is given. Therefore, the model got from this method are more robust and practical than those got from the present method that depends on the modeling data completely. At last more than 100 applications of CNC turning center with only one thermal error model are given. The cutting diameter variation reduces from more than 35 μm to about 12 μm with the orthogonal regression modeling and compensation of thermal error.