Abstract
Ballbar testing of rotary axes in 5-axis machine tools can be time-consuming and requires high levels of operator expertise; especially in the set-up process. Faster tests reduce down-time and encourage frequent updates to compensation parameters to reflect the current state of the machine. A virtual machine tool (VMT) is developed to emulate the machine tool, its geometric errors and the testing procedures. This was used to develop a new single set-up testing method to identify all rotary axis locations errors, whilst remaining robust in the presence of set-up error and linear axis squareness errors. New testing and data processing techniques remove the requirement for fine-adjustment of the tool-cup and permit full automation of necessary toolpaths, including transitions. Using the VMT, error identification residuals were found to be 2.7 % or less. Experiments and statistical analysis then showed that all errors can be measured using a single set-up, and values are sufficiently close to the values measured using conventional multi-set-up procedures to be used in error compensation. This method will significantly reduce set-up durations and removes the need for any modified testing hardware.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 53-71 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology |
Volume | 99 |
Early online date | 26 Jul 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 26 Jul 2016 |
Keywords
- ballbar
- five-axis machine tool
- error