Application of an accuracy enhancement module for precision machine tools by spatial error compensation

A PC-based precision promotion module named “Precimatics” is presented in this study, which uses a spatial error compensation algorithm to modify the G/M code of coordinates of a CNC machine tool. The spatial errors of three axes machine tools were measured by two kinds of laser interferometers (Renishaw Inc. & Optodyne Inc.) According to the American standard (ASME B 5.54) and the laser vector method with sequential step diagonal path (LDDM™), the spatial errors of machine tools, such as linear position error, horizontal straightness error, vertical straightness error, and squareness error, were obtained without time consuming. A spatial error map of machine tools was created and embedded into the “Precimatics” for error compensation. The compensated results were simulated and verified by the coordinates of numerical control (NC) code. Integrating a CAD/CAM system with the “Precimatics”, the position accuracy of micro/meso machine tools (mMTs) can be improved by spatial error compensation without changing the configuration of CNC controller.Copyright © 2008 by ASME