Tool positioning error (TPE) characterisation in milling

Where the geometrical features so permit, the {workpiece–work-holding fixture} assembly is generally considered to be infinitely rigid. The {tool–tool-holder–spindle} assembly and the machine axes are then deformed under the action of the cutting forces. This deformation leads to a positioning error of the tool in relation to the theoretical position. With the aim of taking this positioning error into account, the inaccuracies obtained during end milling and side milling were experimentally modelled from the cutting conditions used for a given machine/mill/material triplet (TriM). Our “Virtual Worker” then used these models to predict machining errors according to the type of machining and to compensate for them.