Improving CNC Machine Tool Geometric Precision Using Manufacturing Process Analysis Techniques

With the ever increasing demands for higher and higher accuracy on modern CNC equipment, the manufacturing processes for machining and assembling the structural components are an increasingly important factor in establishing a geometrically correct machine tool. Specifically, flatness, perpendicularity, parallelism, and straightness of interfacing surfaces determine whether the machine tool's basic accuracy. Exhibiting less geometric error allows other errors such as thermal growth, ballscrew pitch error, and control error to be isolated and more easily corrected.The geometric errors are predominately a factor of the machine tool machining and assembly process. Multiple orientations during fixturing in both assembly and machining result in significant distortions to the final assembled product. These are a result of cutting forces, fixturing deformations, gravity deformations, and bolt force deformation. By analyzing each process in detail using virtual simulation techniques, a high-fidelity model of the corresponding error at each manufacturing step can be achieved that is not physically measurable due to constraints of measurement equipment. Using simulated data as offset data in the machining process as well as in the jig and fixture design ensures a geometrically accurate final product.