Soft Computing in Accuracy Enhancement of Machine Tools

Abstract

AbstractThe development of Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools has progressed and quickly played a significant role in modem manufacturing, due to the falling prices of small computers. Recently, the development trend of the CNC towards precision machining of parts with higher dimensional accuracy has become a necessity to satisfy everincreasing demands of users. It is well known that the accuracy of samples machined on a CNC system is largely influenced by misalignment of machine axes, thermal deformation of machine structure, friction between moving components, etc. [1]. As long as machine errors are systematic or repeatable and can be measured and stored, “Software-based Error Compensation” can be taken as a cost-effective alternative to achieve improvement of the machine accuracy au][2, 3]. Three major error sources including friction induced errors, geometric errors, as well as thermal deformation errors are more concerned in error compensation techniques. Due to the complexity and uncertainty of practical machining processes, it is very difficult to understand internal properties about these three errors. Therefore, soft computing becomes a promising alternative to deal with them. Employment of soft computing in accuracy enhancement of machine tool can provide us significant adaptation, flexibility, and embedded linguistic knowledge.KeywordsMembership FunctionMachine ToolSoft ComputingGeometric ErrorFuzzy Logic ControllerThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.