Machine Tool Metrology

Improving Accuracy, Avoiding Scrap, Increasing Production

What Is Machine Tool Metrology?

Machine tool metrology identifies the differences in the reported and actual position of a cutting tool. Sources for these differences can be errors built into your machine such as straightness, linearity, squareness, pitch, roll, yaw, or dynamic error sources such as thermal growth and cutting force tool deflection.

How Can My Company Make Better Parts Utilizing Machine Tool Metrology?

There are two ways you can use Machine Tool Metrology to make better parts:

• Baseline - Measure the baseline performance of your machine to find out what accuracy you can hold and what areas of your machine are most and least accurate. This is accomplished with tools like laser interferometers and ceramic squares.
• Maintenance - Perform regular quick checks of basic measurements to determine if your machine has changed due to crashes, wear, seasonal temperature changes, etc. by employing telescoping ball bars or spatial reference systems.

What Are the Benefits?

• Low Volume, High Value Part Production - Machine tool metrology knowledge and periodic checks can prevent you from cutting with a machine that is incapable of achieving the required accuracy at that time, avoiding scrapping or reworking costly components.
• High Volume Part Production - Measurements will provide knowledge of how your machine changes throughout the production day. Such information will give insight into pertinent corrective action to avoid drifting out of tolerance.