Geometric and force errors compensation in a 3-axis CNC milling machine

This paper proposes a new off line error compensation model by taking into accounting of geometric and cutting force induced errors in a 3-axis CNC milling machine. Geometric error of a 3-axis milling machine composes of 21 components, which can be measured by laser interferometer within the working volume. Geometric error estimation determined by back-propagation neural network is proposed and used separately in the geometric error compensation model. Likewise, cutting force induced error estimation by back-propagation neural network determined based on a flat end mill behavior observation is proposed and used separately in the cutting force induced error compensation model. Various experiments over a wide range of cutting conditions are carried out to investigate cutting force and machine error relation. Finally, the combination of geometric and cutting force induced errors is modeled by the combined back-propagation neural network. This unique model is used to compensate both geometric and cutting force induced errors simultaneously by a single model. Experimental tests have been carried out in order to validate the performance of geometric and cutting force induced errors compensation model. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.