CNC machine accuracy enhancement through real-time error compensation

Improving CNC machine tool accuracy has received significant attention recently. This paper intends to provide an introduction of the real-time error compensation methods as applied to reduce both geometric and thermally induced quasistatic machine tool errors. An illustrative example is used to demonstrate the use of error compensation systems for a horizontal machining center. Although several industrial applications of these error compensation systems have achieved significant results, a few major barriers have prevented this promising technology from being applied widely in manufacturing. Several ongoing research activities aimed at overcoming the barriers are also presented.