Enhancement of accuracy of multi-axis machine tools through error measurement and compensation of errors using laser interferometry technique

The present era is witnessing advancement in digital electronics and microprocessor which enables manufacturing sector capable to produce complex components within small tolerance zone in the tune of nanometre and at one machining center. All motion control systems have some form of position feed back system fitted with the machine. Such systems are not generally accurate due to the errors in the positioning performance of the machine tool which will change over time to time due to wear, damage and environmental effects. The complex structure of multi-axis CNC machine tools produce an inaccuracy at the tool tip caused by kinematic parameter deviations resulting in manufacturing errors, assembly errors or quasi-static errors. Analysis of these errors using a laser measurement system provides the manufacturers a way to achieve better accuracy and hence higher quality output from these processes. In this communication, techniques to measure the linear positional errors of axes of CNC machine tools by a laser interferometer calibration system and accuracy enhancement using the data obtained from the calibration cycle by feeding into the machine’s controller with the help of linear error compensation package are discussed.