The improvement of geometric accuracy of FMS machine through retrofitting and compensation

The accuracy of a machined component is affected by the physical accuracy of the machine, user effects, and the work-piece environment. Geometric accuracy, constituting part of the machine tool accuracy, needs to be achieved and maintained. The pre-calibrated error compensation method developed has shown to be cost effective. In this method, a geometric error compensation model is developed based on the accurately measured geometric error components (via laser optical etc.) and the specific kinematic relation for the machine tool of interest. Then the required real-time correction (extra displacement) is mapped to the feed-drive through the controller in real time. This paper reports research work on the implementation of such methods together with retrofitting to an existing FMS machine tool in order to acheive a much higher accuracy.