Geometric Error Modeling of a Vertical Machining Center

Abstract

The effect of geometric error on machining accuracy was researched by multi-body system theory, as well as homogeneous coordinate transformation method. Taking a vertical machining center as example, topological structure of the machine tool was described by lower body array. Lower body array of the machining center, motion freedom between adjacent bodies and geometric errors of the vertical machining center were analyzed. Geometric errors of the bodies in the multi-body system were expressed by homogeneous coordinate transformation. Error model for machining accuracy was deduced and geometric errors having influence on the machining accuracy were identified. The research results provide guidance for analyze of geometric errors on machining accuracy.