Estimation of machine tool feed drive inclination from current measurements and a mathematical model

Leveling is an important part of a machine tool installation process because it significantly influences the product quality, machine tool accuracy, and machine lifetime. Conventional leveling procedures are performed by skilled engineers using leveling instruments such as spirit or electronic levels. It is difficult to monitor the level of a machine tool because an accurate leveling instrument is expensive and difficult to install. Therefore, a novel methodology for estimating the inclination angle of a machine tool feed drive is proposed in this paper to overcome the difficulties of leveling. The proposed methodology utilizes motor current measurements and a new mathematical model of the machine tool feed drive that considers the inclination. Experimental results showed that the proposed method successfully estimates the inclination angle and enhances the accuracy of the machine tool feed drive model by considering the inclination effects.