Geometric error compensation software system for CNC machine tools based on NC program reconstructing

It has been proved that error compensation is an effective approach to improve machining accuracy of a machine tool cost efficiently. In this paper, the framework of an error compensation software system, which can realize software error compensation via numerical control (NC) programs reconstructing, is investigated. And the algorithms relating to error prediction are discussed in detail, such as positioning movement error compensation, linear interpolation movement, and circular interpolation movement error compensation. To realize the error compensation, NC program is reconstructed according to the predicted errors during virtual machining before it is fed to the actual machining. Two controlled machining experiments were carried out. The results show that error compensation methods via reconstructing NC programs can improve the movement accuracy of a computer numerical control CNC machine tool obviously.