A displacement measurement approach for machine geometric error assessment

It is complicated and time-consuming to evaluate the performance of a machine tool. In this research, a displacement method is proposed to shorten the measurement time and to simplify the measurement. By measuring the positioning errors along the 15 lines in the machine work zone, a total of 21 geometric error components can be determined. Among the 15 lines, seven of them are mandated by the ANSI/ASME standard for the performance evaluation of CNC machining centers. Therefore, only eight additional positioning error measurements are necessary to evaluate the machine's performance. The results from the experimental tests show that the method is feasible and accurate. This method shortens the calibration time and is beneficial, particularly to the reconfigurable machining system, which needs frequent calibration.