Integrated geometric error modeling, identification and compensation of CNC machine tools

This paper presents an integrated geometric error modeling, identification and compensation method for machine tools. Regarding a machine tool as a rigid multi-body system (MBS), a geometric error model has been established. It supports the identification of the 21 translational geometric error parameters associated with linear-motion axes based on a laser interferometer, and 6 angular geometric error parameters for each rotation axis based on a ball-bar. Based on this model, a new identification method is proposed to recognize these geometric errors. Finally, the identified geometric errors are compensated by correcting corresponding NC codes. In order to validate our method, a prototype software system has been developed, which can be used for conducting tests on any type of CNC machine tool with not more than five axes. An experiment has been conducted on a five-axis machine center with rotary table and tilting head; the results show that the integrated geometric error modeling, identification and compensation method is effective and applicable in multi-axis machine tools. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.