Evaluation of machining error factors in small machine tools and correction of the tool position considering the deformation

Abstract

This study will develop a small machine tool that can process steel materials with high precision. To reduce the size of conventional large-scale factories and increase production efficiency, it is necessary to reduce the size of machine tools. However, small machine tools have low rigidity and are easily deformed, making it difficult to machine hard materials. Therefore, in the research so far, we have prototyped a 3-axis small NC milling machine that can cut steel. However, due to insufficient rigidity, the machine body is deformed during machining, resulting in insufficient machining accuracy compared to ordinary large machine tools. Therefore, we aim to reduce the machining error of the prototype by optimally controlling the tool position according to the deformation of the body that occurs during machining. This study applies the proposed method to a prototype, and evaluate the improvement effect of processing accuracy.