Thermal Modal Analysis for Volumetric Error Characterization

Abstract

The volumetric accuracy of machine tools is significantly impacted by thermal errors, making the evaluation of volumetric accuracy a significant challenge for the manufacturing industry. Several technical solutions have been implemented, both at the industrial and research level, to address this issue. However, considering thermal errors in the volumetric error characterization adds complexity to the process and remains an open topic of research in the field. In this study, a novel volumetric error characterization technique based on simulated Thermal Modal Analysis is proposed for a three-axis machine tool. This approach involves analyzing the impact of thermal modes of the machine tool's structural elements on the volumetric error, providing a characterization that incorporates the physical meaning of the structure. This simulated characterization will serve as a foundation for future experiments that combine it with other techniques to achieve a comprehensive understanding of volumetric errors.