Geometric error measuring, modeling, and compensation for CNC machine tools: A review

Geometric error, mainly due to imperfect geometry and dimensions of machine components, is one of the major error sources of machine tools. Considering that geometric error has significant effects on the machining quality of manufactured parts, it has been a popular topic for academic and industrial research for many years. A great deal of research work has been carried out since the 1970 s for solving the problem and improving the machining accuracy. Researchers have studied how to measure, detect, model, identify, reduce, and compensate the geometric errors. This paper presents a thorough review of the latest research activities and gives an overview of the state of the art in understanding changes in machine tool performance due to geometric errors. Recent advances in measuring the geometrical errors of machine tools are summarized, and different kinds of error identification methods of translational axes and rotation axes are illustrated respectively. Besides, volumetric geometric error modeling, tracing, and compensation techniques for five-axis machine tools are emphatically introduced. Finally, research challenges in order to improve the volumetric accuracy of machine tools are also highlighted.