Performance Evaluation of Multi-Axis CNC Machine Tools by Interferometry Principle using Laser Calibration System

Advancement in digital electronics and microprocessors has made the manufacturing sector capable to generate complex components within small tolerance zone in nanometre range at one machining center. All motion control systems have some form of position feed back system fitted with the machine. But the systems are not perfectly accurate due to the errors in the positioning performance of the machine tools which will change over time to time due to wear, damage and environmental effect. The complex structure of multi-axis CNC machine tools produces an inaccuracy at the tool tip caused by kinematic parameter deviations resulting in manufacturing errors, assembly error and quasi-static errors. Analysis of these errors using a laser measurement system provides the user with a way to achieve better accuracy, and hence higher quality output from these processes. In this paper, characteristic of the positioning errors of the axes of multi-axis CNC machine tools and the technique to measure the errors by a laser interferometer calibration system have been discussed and the positioning accuracy of the machine each axis has been verified. © 2012, The Institution of Engineers (India).