Geometrical testing and accuracy improvement of five-axis machines by use of laser tracker

Abstract

In this paper, a compensation strategy for the volumetric errors of both the linear and the rotational axes of a five-axis machine is presented. The strategy compensates the translational error motions of the linear axes, as well as the volumetric error arising from the translational and the angular errors of the rotational axes. The angular errors of the linear axes are neglected, and the functional orientation of the tool axis remains uncompensated. The errors of each axis are measured using a Leica AT960 laser tracker. The measurement uncertainty of laser tracker measurement of machine tools is addressed, and the observed variability in the measured errors is discussed.