Error map construction for rotary axes on five-axis machine tools by on-the-machine measurement using a touch-trigger probe

Position-dependent geometric errors, or “error map,” of a rotary axis represent how position and orientation of the axis of rotation change with its rotation. This paper proposes a scheme to calibrate the error map of rotary axes by on-the-machine measurement of test pieces by using a contact-type touch-trigger probe installed on the machine's spindle. The present scheme enables more efficient and automated error calibration, which is crucial to implement periodic check of rotary axes error map or periodic update of its numerical compensation for five-axis machine tools. The uncertainty analysis of the error calibration is also presented with a particular interest in the influence of error motions of linear axes. The experimental demonstration is presented.

► A scheme to calibrate error map of rotary axes on five-axis machine tools is proposed. ► Error map represents how position and orientation of a rotary axis change with its rotation. ► The calibration is based on automated on-the-machine measurement cycles of test pieces. ► Experimental demonstration of error map construction is presented. ► The uncertainty analysis is presented to study the influence of linear axes error motions.