Tool path accuracy enhancement through geometrical error compensation

Abstract Kinematic and geometric errors of CNC machine tools, introduce large deviations in the real path traveled by the cutting tool. Tool path deviation reduces geometrical and dimensional accuracy of the machined features of the component. Tool path modification is an effective strategy to increase accuracy of the machined features. An improved error estimation model based on kinematic transformation concepts has been developed and used to calculate the volumetric overall error. These calculations are applicable for each arbitrary target positions of the machine's work space. Also a NC Program editor software has been developed in order to manage the calculations, modifications and to generate the new compensated NC program. The compensation procedure includes: fragmentation of nominal tool path to small linear elements, translating nominal position of elements to real positions using the Kinematics error model, finding compensated positions using the error compensation algorithm, converting newly generated elements to new tool paths using the packing algorithms and finally editing old NC program using NC code generator algorithm. Experimental tests showed 4–8 times accuracy improvement for linear, and S-pline tool paths deviations.