
Accuracy requirements are becoming increasingly stringent, particularly in the area of 5-axis machining. Complex parts must be manufactured with both precision and reproducible accuracy, including over extended periods of time.
Some of the reasons for inaccuracy in multi-axis machining are deviations between the kinematic model saved in the control (see 1 in the figure) and the kinematic conditions actually existing on the machine (see 2 in the figure). When the rotary axes are positioned, these deviations cause inaccuracy of the workpiece (see 3 in the figure). It is therefore necessary for the model to approach reality as closely as possible.
The KinematicsOpt function of the control is an important component that helps you meet these complex requirements in real life: a 3D touch probe cycle measures the rotary axes on your machine fully automatically, regardless of whether they are realized as tables or spindle heads. For this purpose, a calibration sphere is attached at any position on the machine table, and measured with a resolution that you define. During cycle definition, you simply define for each rotary axis the area that you want to measure.
From the measured values, the control calculates the static tilting accuracy. The software minimizes the positioning error arising from the tilting movements and, at the end of the measurement process, automatically saves the machine geometry in the respective machine constants of the kinematics table.