Real-Time Geometric Error (Form) Compensation on a Vertical Milling Machine

High-performance CNC milling machines are required for manufacturing precise components as there is a demand for consistency and quality are growing. The vital factor which plays a key role in the precision components manufacturing is the machine tools performance itself. Mainly, the causes of displacement errors are the effect of form errors, forces due to cutting actions, dynamic behavior of machine, etc. This paper proposes a new methodology in measuring and compensation of geometric error on a vertical milling machine which has three linear axes. The straightness error measured, and compensated for the individual axis with respect to the other two linear axes is discussed in this paper. A new methodology of applying flatness error correction is implemented by taking the current position of an axis into account. This error correction is implemented in real time in a vertical milling machine fitted with a CNC controller.