New method for computer numerical control machine tool calibration: Relay method

Abstract

Relay measurement method, which uses the kilogram-meter (KGM) measurement system to identify volumetric errors on the planes of computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools, is verified through experimental tests. During the process, all position errors on the entire plane table are measured by the equipment, which is limited to a small field. All errors are obtained first by measuring the error of the basic position near the original point. On the basis of that positional error, the positional errors far away from the original point are measured. Using this analogy, the error information on the positional points on the entire plane can be obtained. The process outlined above is called the relay method. Test results indicate that the accuracy and repeatability are high, and the method can be used to calibrate geometric errors on the plane of CNC machine tools after backlash errors have been well compensated.