A method of testing position independent geometric errors in rotary axes of a five-axis machine tool using a double ball bar

Ensuring that a five-axis machine tool is operating within tolerance is critical. However, there are few simple and fast methods to identify whether the machine is in a “usable” condition. This paper investigates the use of the double ball bar (DBB) to identify and characterise the position independent geometric errors (PIGEs) in rotary axes of a five-axis machine tool by establishing new testing paths. The proposed method consists of four tests for two rotary axes; the A-axis tests with and without an extension bar and the C-axis tests with and without an extension bar. For the tests without an extension bar, position errors embedded in the A- and C-axes are measured first. Then these position errors can be used in the tests with an extension bar, to obtain the orientation errors in the A- and C-axes based on the given geometric model. All tests are performed with only one axis moving, thus simplifying the error analysis. The proposed method is implemented on a Hermle C600U five-axis machine tool to validate the approach. The results of the DBB tests show that the new method is a good approach to obtaining the geometric errors in rotary axes, thus can be applied to practical use in assembling processes, maintenance and regular checking of multi-axis CNC machine tools.     

Measurement and verification of position-independent geometric errors of a five-axis machine tool using a double ball-bar

In this study, position-independent geometric errors, including offset errors and squareness errors of rotary axes of a five-axis machine tool are measured using a double ball-bar and are verified through compensation. In addition, standard uncertainties of measurement results are calculated to establish their confidence intervals. This requires two measurement paths for each rotary axis, which are involving control of single rotary axis during measurement. So, the measurement paths simplify the measurement process, and reduce measurement cost including less operator effort and measurement time. Set-up errors, which are inevitable during the installation of the balls, are modeled as constants. Their effects on the measurement results are investigated to improve the accuracy of the measurement result. A novel fixture consisting of flexure hinges and two pairs of bolts is used to minimize set-up error by adjusting the ball's position located at the tool nose. Simulation is performed to check the validation of measurement and to analyze the standard uncertainties of the measurement results. Finally, the position-independent geometric errors of the five-axis machine tool (involving a rotary axis and a trunnion axis) are measured using proposed method.     

Development of a multi-step measuring method for motion accuracy of NC machine tools based on cross grid encoder

Machining accuracy is directly influenced by the quasi-static errors of a machine tool. Since machine errors have a direct effect on both the surface finish and geometric shape of the finished work piece, it is imperative to measure the machine errors and to compensate for them. A revised geometric synthetic error modeling, measurement and identification method of 3-axis machine tool by using a cross grid encoder is proposed in this paper. Firstly a revised synthetic error model of 21 geometric error components of the 3-axis NC machine tools is developed. Also the mapping relationship between the error component and radial motion error of round work piece manufactured on the NC machine tools are deduced. Aiming to overcome the solution singularity shortcoming of traditional error component identification method, a new multi-step identification method of error component by using the cross grid encoder measurement technology is proposed based on the kinematic error model of NC machine tool. Finally the experimental validation of the above modeling and identification method is carried out in the 3-axis CNC vertical machining center Cincinnati 750 Arrow. The entire 21 error components have been successfully measured by the above method. The whole measuring time of 21 error components is cut down to 1–2 h because of easy installation, adjustment, operation and the characteristics of non-contact measurement. It usually takes days of machine down time and needs an experienced operator when using other measuring methods. Result shows that the modeling and the multi-step identification methods are very suitable for ‘on machine’ measurement.     

Single setup identification of component errors for rotary axes on five-axis machine tools based on pre-layout of target points and shift of measuring reference

This paper proposes a single setup identification method of 12 component errors of rotary axes on five-axis machine tools by using a touch trigger probe and an artefact. At first, a basic idea of pre-layout of target points combined with the shift of measuring reference is proposed. Influence of setup errors of touch trigger probe and artefact on measuring results is identified quantitatively and included in error models. A single setup measuring method is then designed to identify 12 component errors of rotary axes on five-axis machine tools with a tilting head and a rotary table. The expansion of this basic idea on five-axis machine tools with other configurations is also provided. Validation and uncertainty analysis of the identified values are also provided. The measuring accuracy is guaranteed by the complete error model while the measuring efficiency is improved significantly by the single setup measuring method.     

Double ballbar test for the rotary axes of five-axis CNC machine tools

In this paper a new method that uses the double ballbar to inspect motion errors of the rotary axes of five-axis CNC machine tools is presented. The new method uses a particular circular test path that only causes the two rotary axes to move simultaneously and keeps the other three linear axes stationary. Therefore, only motion errors of the two rotary axes will be measured during the ballbar test. The theoretical trace patterns of various error origins, including servo mismatch and backlash, are established. Consequently, the error origins in the rotary block can be diagnosed by examining whether similar patterns appear in the motion error trace. The method developed was verified by practical tests, and the servo mismatch of the rotary axes was successfully detected.     

Error map construction for rotary axes on five-axis machine tools by on-the-machine measurement using a touch-trigger probe

Position-dependent geometric errors, or “error map,” of a rotary axis represent how position and orientation of the axis of rotation change with its rotation. This paper proposes a scheme to calibrate the error map of rotary axes by on-the-machine measurement of test pieces by using a contact-type touch-trigger probe installed on the machine's spindle. The present scheme enables more efficient and automated error calibration, which is crucial to implement periodic check of rotary axes error map or periodic update of its numerical compensation for five-axis machine tools. The uncertainty analysis of the error calibration is also presented with a particular interest in the influence of error motions of linear axes. The experimental demonstration is presented.     

Prediction and identification of rotary axes error of non-orthogonal five-axis machine tool

This paper proposes an efficient and automated scheme to predict and identify the position and motion errors of rotary axes on a non-orthogonal five-axis machining centre using the double ball bar (DBB) system. Based on the Denavit-Hartenberg theory, a motion deviations model for the tilting rotary axis B and rotary C of a non-orthogonal five-axis NC machine tool is established, which considers tilting rotary axis B and rotary C static deviations and dynamic deviations that total 24. After analysing the mathematical expression of the motion deviations model, the QC20 double ball bar (DBB) from the Renishaw Company is used to measure and identify the motion errors of rotary axes B and C, and a measurement scheme is designed. With the measured results, the 24 geometric deviations of rotary axes B and C can be identified intuitively and efficiently. This method provides a reference for the error identification of the non-orthogonal five-axis NC machine tool.     

5轴卧式加工中心回转工作台设计与应用

大型5轴卧式加工中心机床回转工作台是机床在加工过程中驱动工件回转的部件,回转精度及可靠性直接影响机床的整体性能。针对5轴机床在联动切削过程中B轴移动的特点,选用大型可调间隙蜗轮蜗杆进行传动,传动机构配置有减速机构以增加驱动力矩,回转机构通过大型轴向径向组合轴承支撑,通过高精度光栅尺进行位置反馈,得到快速进给5 r/min、定位精度为3″、重复定位精度为1.5″的高精度回转工作台。     

A machining test to calibrate rotary axis error motions of five-axis machine tools and its application to thermal deformation test

This paper proposes a machining test to parameterize error motions, or position-dependent geometric errors, of rotary axes in a five-axis machine tool. At the given set of angular positions of rotary axes, a square-shaped step is machined by a straight end mill. By measuring geometric errors of the finished test piece, the position and the orientation of rotary axis average lines (location errors), as well as position-dependent geometric errors of rotary axes, can be numerically identified based on the machine׳s kinematic model. Furthermore, by consequently performing the proposed machining test, one can quantitatively observe how error motions of rotary axes change due to thermal deformation induced mainly by spindle rotation. Experimental demonstration is presented.     

Sculptured surface machining of spiral bevel gears with CNC milling

Gears are crucial components for modern precision machinery as a means for the power transmission mechanism. Due to their complexity and unique characteristics, gears have been designed and manufactured by a special type of machine tools, such as gear hobbing and shaping machines. In this paper, we attempt to manufacture the spiral bevel gear (SBG: the most complex type among the gear products) by a three-axis CNC milling machine interfaced with a rotary table. This consists of (a) geometric modeling of the spiral bevel gears, (b) process planning for NC machining, (c) a tool path planning and execution algorithm for both 4-axis and 3/4-axis (three out of four axes) controls. Experimental cuts were made to ascertain the validity and effectiveness of the presented method with a CNC milling machine controlled by the 3/4-axis control mode.     

Identification and compensation of geometric errors of rotary axes on five-axis machine by on-machine measurement

The geometric errors of rotary axes are the fundamental errors of a five-axis machine tool. They directly affect the machining accuracy, and require periodical measurement, identification and compensation. In this paper, a precise calibration and compensation method for the geometric errors of rotary axes on a five-axis machine tool is proposed. The automated measurement is realized by using an on-the-machine touch-trigger technology and an artifact. A calibration algorithm is proposed to calibrate geometric errors of rotary axes based on the relative displacement of the measured reference point. The geometric errors are individually separated and the coupling effect of the geometric errors of two rotary axes can be avoided. The geometry error of the artifact as well as its setup error has little influence on geometric error calibration results. Then a geometric error compensation algorithm is developed by modifying the numeric control (NC) source file. All the geometric errors of the rotary errors are compensated to improve the machining accuracy. The algorithm can be conveniently integrated into the post process. At last, an experiment on a five-axis machine tool with table A-axis and head B-axis structure validates the feasibility of the proposed method.     

Position geometric error modeling,identification and compensation for large 5-axis machining center prototype

This paper presents a position geometric error modeling, identification and compensation method for large 5-axis machining center prototype. First, regarding the prototype as a rigid multi-body system, a geometric error model has been established, which supports the identification of position geometric error associated with a translational axis by using laser interferometer, and a rotational axis by using laser tracker. Second, based on this model, an improved identification approach named as virtual rigid-body is put forward for calculating positioning error of each large translational axis. Detailed derivation of a generalized matrix equation is given. Third, analytical models based on the least-squares theory were adopted to compute error values at an arbitrary position for error compensation. Finally, the identified position geometric errors were compensated by using recursive software-based error compensation method. The results show that the position accuracy of large machining center prototype has been improved with compensation and up to the design requirements.     

Accuracy enhancement of five-axis machine tool based on differential motion matrix: Geometric error modeling,identification and compensation

This paper presents the precision enhancement of five-axis machine tools according to differential motion matrix, including geometric error modeling, identification and compensation. Differential motion matrix describes the relationship between transforming differential changes of coordinate frames. Firstly, differential motion matrix of each axis relative to tool is established based on homogenous transformation matrix of tool relative to each axis. Secondly, the influences of errors of each axis on accuracy of tool are calculated with error vector of each axis. The sum of these influences is integration of error components of machine tool in coordinate system of tool. It endows the error modeling clear physical meaning. Moreover, integrated error components are transformed to coordinate frame of working table for integrated error transformation matrix of machine tools. Thirdly, constructed Jacobian is established using differential motion matrix of each axis without extra calculation to compensate the integrated error components of tool. It makes compensation easy and convenient with reuse of intermediate. Fourthly, six-circle method of ballbar is developed based on differential motion matrix to identify all ten error components of each rotary axis. Finally, the experiments are carried out on SmartCNC500 five-axis machine tool to testify the effectiveness of proposed accuracy enhancement with differential motion matrix.     

非球面数控磨床的误差建模与补偿研究

以实验室自主研发的非球面数控磨床为研究对象,系统分析了该磨床几何误差元素,基于齐次变换原理和多体系统理论,建立了该磨床包含所有几何误差源的综合误差模型。基于双频激光干涉测量仪,应用9线误差辨识法和回转误差辨识法建立了以磨床单项误差为变量的组合方程,并求取了磨床的各误差分量。针对非球面数控磨床定位误差的特性,提出了增量式误差补偿原理。研究表明:该误差建模及补偿原理可以有效地提升非球面数控磨床的定位精度。     

Construction of an error map of rotary axes on a five-axis machining center by static R-test

This paper proposes an efficient and automated scheme to calibrate error motions of rotary axes on a five-axis machining center by using the R-test. During a five-axis measurement cycle, the R-test probing system measures the three-dimensional displacement of a sphere attached to the spindle in relative to the machine table. Location errors, defined in ISO 230-7, of rotary axes are the most fundamental error factors in the five-axis kinematics. A larger class of error motions can be modeled as geometric errors that vary depending on the angular position of a rotary axis. The objective of this paper is to present an algorithm to identify not only location errors, but also such position-dependent geometric errors, or “error map,” of rotary axes. Its experimental demonstration is presented.     

五轴联动立式磨床几何误差灵敏度研究

以一台五轴联动立式磨床为例,提出了一种分析几何误差灵敏度的方法。基于多体系统理论和齐次坐标变换建立了五轴联动立式磨床的33项几何误差模型,利用求导的方式给出了几何误差灵敏度分析的数学模型。并根据该模型找出了关键几何误差,研究了关键几何误差的灵敏度系数随平移轴运动的变化规律,研究结果为精密机床改进设计和误差的实时补偿提供了理论依据。     

Geometric error measurement and identification for rotary table of multi-axis machine tool using double ballbar

In this paper, comprehensive geometric errors, including linkage errors and volumetric errors, of a rotary table are measured totally by employing a double ballbar and obtained by a two-step identification procedure. The derivations of the center of the ball installed on the table are measured in the error sensitive directions with newly developed serial of two axes controlled circular paths. Hence, there are nine results measured from three mounting positions of the ball at the same rotation angle. These results are used to form the identification model based on the homogeneous transformation. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis method is applied to select the optimum installation parameters of the ballbar to diminish the influence of the inaccuracy of the measurement parameters. As the mounting position errors of the socket on the table are inevitable during the installation of the balls, a new correction procedure is developed as well. Finally, an experiment is conducted on the four-axis machining center. The comparison results between the predicted errors and the measured results are shown to verify the proposed method.     

五轴联动数控机床空间综合误差解耦技术研究

分析五轴联动机床的误差项和拓扑结构,给出伺服轴运动时理想情况和有误差情况下的坐标变换矩阵。以此为基础,给出五轴联动机床空间综合误差的计算方法。基于多体运动学的微分变换原理,给出五轴联动机床综合误差解耦算法。以某RTTTR型五轴联动机床为例,应用MATLAB进行实际综合误差解耦和补偿计算,结果验证了该解耦算法的正确性。     

Geometric and force errors compensation in a 3-axis CNC milling machine

This paper proposes a new off line error compensation model by taking into accounting of geometric and cutting force induced errors in a 3-axis CNC milling machine. Geometric error of a 3-axis milling machine composes of 21 components, which can be measured by laser interferometer within the working volume. Geometric error estimation determined by back-propagation neural network is proposed and used separately in the geometric error compensation model. Likewise, cutting force induced error estimation by back-propagation neural network determined based on a flat end mill behavior observation is proposed and used separately in the cutting force induced error compensation model. Various experiments over a wide range of cutting conditions are carried out to investigate cutting force and machine error relation. Finally, the combination of geometric and cutting force induced errors is modeled by the combined back-propagation neural network. This unique model is used to compensate both geometric and cutting force induced errors simultaneously by a single model. Experimental tests have been carried out in order to validate the performance of geometric and cutting force induced errors compensation model.     

三轴数控机床静态精度设计研究进展

国内三轴数控机床存在精度低和可靠性差的问题,而机床精度和可靠性可通过合理的静态精度设计方法得以保证.机床静态精度设计方法包括加工精度稳健设计方法和静态几何精度设计方法,针对两种精度设计方法的衔接合理性和工程应用实用性低的问题,在深入调研机床静态精度设计研究成果的基础上,从机床空间误差建模、平动轴几何误差元素辨识、关键几何误差元素溯源和加工精度稳健设计以及静态几何精度设计这5个关键问题着手,分别给出具体的解决方法,并形成一套完整的三轴数控机床静态精度设计系统实施方案,为完善机床几何精度设计和静态几何精度设计提供了参考.