An alternative methodology for machine tool error determination through workpiece measurement

Error measurement and compensation in machine tools have always been a subject of interest for the researchers. Much work has been done regarding the measurement of individual errors in a machine tool and different approaches have been adopted throughout the existing literature. While researchers tend to measure the differences in actual and obtained position of a machine tool through use of devices such as laser-interferometer and ball-bar, significant research has also been done towards measurement of errors through use of metrology feedback techniques. Progress has also been made in the existing literature towards error determination, mainly positional, and compensation through workpiece measurement. There is, however, a need for a comprehensive error profiling methodology using the workpiece measurement method. The current research presents a new methodology for error determination through workpiece measurement on a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), where a specially designed workpiece is to be machined on a 3 Axis machining center, under various conditions with each condition targeting different types of error. The scope of the research includes the determination of all errors including thermal, positional and dynamic errors. Such a method lowers the cost of error determination while also providing a shop-floor-friendly error determination technique.