Calibrating the Squareness Between the Linear Axes Motions of Machine Tools

There are several methods that you might use to calibrate the squareness between the linear axes motions of machine tools. With a digital tool, you can look at the results of each method, and the results will depend on the straightness and squareness errors that the results might show. It is a good idea to look at the location where you did the test as well. Once you look at each of the machine calibration errors that you might have, you will be better prepared to fix them so you can reduce any unplanned downtime with your machinery and get the job done faster.

Straightness of the Bi-Axial with an Indicator

With this test, a company offering machine calibration services will use a mechanical square. This will get aligned to the axes you are looking at, and the company can measure each axis’s straightness deviation. The company will do this with a digital indicator.

When the company has collected the relevant information for each of the axes, they can calculate the slope or inclination. Then they can compare the inclinations to find any squareness errors.

Indexer and Straightedge

With this method, a company offering CNC machine calibration services will use a straightedge and angular indexer together. Once they have determined the first axis’s deviation, they can use the indexer and rotate the straightedge to 90 degrees. That way, they can determine how the second axis is doing.

They can then calculate the squareness of the axes the same way that they did for the first method. One of the benefits of choosing this way is that the company can test each of the axes in the machine when they are near the center of the workspace.

Using an Optical Square

With this method, a company will use a system with a laser interferometer. This will have both an optical square and straightness optics. With an L configuration, you can test the horizontal axes. You can also have a T shaped configuration, which you might choose for testing other types of axes.

No matter what the setup is like, the straightness reflector will project a straightedge where your optical square moves through around 90 degrees. Then the company can measure, or indicate, any straightness deviations using the straightness interferometer.

Choose the Best CNC Machine Calibration Services Today

If you need to have your machines calibrated, consider turning to Maintenance Diagnostic Systems, Inc. We offer a range of quality services and can help your machine tools to function at their best. If you want to know more about what we can do for your company, feel free to reach out to us today.