Tracking and contour error control in CNC servo systems

The dynamic response of a machine tool is a complex interaction of several factors that includes the basic design of the machine as well as the capability and performance of the corresponding axis servo system. In terms of the performance of the servo system, tracking and contour errors are two important aspects that significantly affect the machine tool. Extensive research has been conducted over the last several decades into the study of these error components. A number of different approaches have been proposed by various researchers that attempt to effectively address this problem. This paper attempts to study the work that has been carried out in minimising tracking and contour errors in CNC machine tools.