The euspen International Topical Conference 2003

Precision machine tool controllers are tuned based on the drive parameters and the CNC position feedback. To check if the machine meets the specifications, the contouring performance is evaluated with a ballbar or an optical grid plate. The test reveals insight in both machine geometry errors such as squareness and straightness as well as dynamic parameters such as guideway friction and the associated influence on the control system. However to implement fine tuning algorithms that adjust the parameters of the friction compensation both physical feedback and the encoder feedback has to be measured. The outlined approach allows this simultaneous evaluation in conjunction with commercially available NC controllers.