Abstract
One of the most important performance indices of the machine tools is the machining accuracy in the multi-axis machining process. Therefore, it is required to establish systematic analysis and design methods for the multi-axis machine tools, from the viewpoint of the machining accuracy of the complicated products. The objective of the research is to establish mathematical models representing the shape generation motion deviations of machine tools, on the basis of the geometric deviations of the relative motion between a pair of connecting units with respect to the priority of the geometric features. A case study on the kinematic motion deviations of the three-axis machining centre is carried out with the proposed method.