Volumetric error modeling and compensation considering thermal effect on five-axis machine tools

This article intends to provide an error compensation system for five-axis machine tools. A volumetric error model is established with homogeneous transformation matrix method, from which compensation values of both orientation and position errors can be obtained. Thirty-seven errors on a five-axis machine tool are classified into three categories – functional, random, and negligible errors, among which the effect of the first one on volumetric accuracy is considered as great enough to be included in this model. Some typical modeling methods are discussed on positioning and straightness errors, considering both geometric and thermal effects. Then, we propose a compensation implementation technique based on the function of external machine zero point shift and Ethernet data communication protocol for machine tools. Finally, laser diagonal measurements have been conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed volumetric error compensation system.