Correcting for thermal expansion in real time

Saginaw Machine Systems Inc. has devised a production system that corrects both geometric and thermal errors on a variety of two-axis and three-axis machine tool types. The PC-based Real Time Error Correction System eliminates 80% of a machine tool's errors while enhancing accuracy. The project focuses on three objectives, namely: to include all thermal and geometric error components in one synthesis model, to make the method valid for most types of machine tools and to provide suitability for different measuring positions due to different measurement methods and instruments.
The search for machining's Holy Grail--real time compensation of thermal expansion--is going on in earnest at Saginaw Machine Systems Inc. A series of three research and development projects has already [...]