Development of measuring method for positioning accuracy of tilting axes in five-axis machining centers - Development of clinometer using a rotary encoder and a level -

Abstract

This paper describes the measuring methods for positioning accuracy of tilting axes in five-axis controlled machining centers with a tilting rotary table. The top surface of the tilting rotary table is generally in higher position than the tilting axis. In this case, there is no measuring method except for a manually operated clinometer. Thus, a clinometer consisting of a precision rotary encoder and a bubble level was firstly developed. In the method, operators have to read visually the scale of the level and the reading accuracy is dependent on their ability. Instead of the bubble level, an electronic level with high resolution was employed for comparison. A ball bar equipment was also applied to measure the angular positioning accuracy of the tilting rotary table, as the ball bar equipment can measure the angular displacement continuously.