Laser diagonal tests

1. Laser diagonal tests

2. Laser diagonal tests - summary • This presentation explains how laser interferometry can be used to check machine positioning performance along machine diagonals, in accordance with B5.54 and ISO230-6 standards. • It then explains the benefits and the weaknesses of this method of machine performance evaluation.

3. Laser diagonal tests - B5.54 and ISO230-6 • Laser diagonal tests for machining centres are described in B5.54 and ISO230-6 standards. • In these tests, a laser interferometer is used to measure the linear positioning accuracy of the machine as it moves along each of its four body diagonals in turn. • The figure shows a laser aligned (via a mirror) to one of four body diagonals.

4. Laser diagonal tests - laser set-up ML10 laser, and linear optics aligned via a swivel mirror to a machine body diagonal.

5. Laser diagonal tests - B5.54 and ISO230-6 • A number of equi-spaced target positions are defined along each body diagonal. • The machine is then moved along the diagonal from one target position to the next. • The laser measures the linear positioning error at each target position. • Measurements are taken in the forward and reverse directions and averaged. • The measurement is then repeated along each body diagonal in turn.

6. Laser diagonal tests - presentation of results • Typically, results are presented graphically (as shown below). • In B5.54 the diagonal positioning accuracy is quoted from the diagonal with the largest range of error values.

7. Laser diagonal tests - B5.54 and ISO230-6 • The American Standard B5.54:1992 states • The volumetric accuracy of a machine may be rapidly estimated by measuring the displacement accuracy of the machine along body diagonals. • The International Standard ISO230-6:2002 states • Diagonal displacement tests allow the estimation of the volumetric performance of a machine tool. • and • Diagonal displacement tests may be used for acceptance purposes and as reassurance of machine performance where parameters of the test are used as a comparison index.

8. Laser diagonal tests - limitations • However… • Recent work at Renishaw has shown thatEstimates of volumetric or machine performance which are based on diagonal tests alone are unreliable.The results of a diagonal test in isolation cannot be used as a reliable machine comparison index. • The reasons for this are shown by examples on the following slides.

9. 1.4142136 m 1.000000 m 1.000000 m Laser diagonal tests - 2-D example • The weakness of the diagonal test is most easily understood by considering a simple 2D example first. • Consider a perfect 1 metre square planar machine. The travel of the X and Y axes are both exactly 1 metre, and the machine contains no other positioning or geometric errors. • The length of both diagonals are given by Pythagoras’ theorem. • Diagonal length= (12 + 12)= 1.4142136 m

10. 1.4142136 m 0.999975 m 1.000025 m Laser diagonal tests - 2D example • Now imagine that the machine is distorted such that the X axis over-travels by 25 m/metre, and the Y axis under-travels by 25 m/metre. (Linear positioning errors of this magnitude are common in machines due to inaccuracies in the feedback system e.g ballscrew tensioning and thermal effects). • The length of the diagonals of this distorted machine are again given by Pythagoras’ theorem. • Diagonal length= (1.0000252 + 0.9999752)= 1.4142136 m • Note that the diagonal lengthappears unchanged

11. Perfect machine Distorted machine 1.4142136 m 1.4142136 m 1.000000 m 0.999975 m 1.000000 m 1.000025 m Laser diagonal tests - 2D example • Diagonal length of perfect machine = 1.4142136 m • Diagonal length of distorted machine = 1.4142136 m • The diagonal lengths are the same (within 0.001 m) • Both the perfect and the distorted machine show effectively identical results on a diagonal test even though the distorted machine contains positioning errors of over 25 microns.

12. Laser diagonal tests - 2D example • It might be thought that this is a special case, which only occurs on a 2-D machine if the error in the X axis motion is exactly equal and opposite to the error in the Y axis motion. • This is not the case! • If any axis (or axes) shows an over-travel error whilst any another axis (or axes) shows an under-travel error, their combined effect on the body diagonal length will, to some extent, cancel. • These types of errors are common on machine tools. • The problem also occurs on 3-D machines as shown by the table on the next slide.

13. Laser diagonal tests - 3D examples * Volumetric accuracy is defined as the length of the worst case error vector between the target and the actual machine position anywhere within the machine volume. • The table shows the performance of three nominally identical 1m3 machine tools. • Each machine has a different combination of linear positioning errors in its axes. • Compare the diagonal and volumetric results.

14. Laser diagonal tests - 3D examples • Note the complete lack of correlation between the volumetric accuracy of these machines and their diagonal test results. • Machine A has the worst volumetric accuracy, but shows no error on the diagonal test. • Machine B has the best volumetric accuracy, but shows the worst diagonal test result. • Contrary to the statements in B5.54 and ISO230-6, it is clear that laser diagonal test results do not provide a reliable estimate of volumetric accuracy or performance and so cannot be used as a reliable comparison index between machines.

15. Laser diagonal tests - squareness measurement • Although laser diagonal tests do not provide a reliable way of measuring a machine’s volumetric accuracy, they can provide a good way of measuring the squareness between two axes. • For the most accurate results itis recommended to measure facerather than body diagonals. (Thisreduces test time and improvessensitivity). • If the two face diagonal lengthsare d1 and d2, then the machinesquareness error (in radians) isgiven by;   (1+m2)(d1-d2)/(m(d1+d2)) where m = machine aspect ratio NB. Only true for 1:1 machine. d1  d2

16. Laser diagonal tests - squareness measurement • Accuracy of squareness result (angle) is improved if; • The machine’s axes are of similar lengths (improves sensitivity). • The test is performed quickly to minimise any thermal changes between measurement of each diagonal length. • Graph shows effect of ±1 and ±5 ppm shifts in laser reading on the accuracy of squareness results for various aspect ratio machines.

17. Laser diagonal tests - squareness measurement • Accuracy of squareness result (angle) is also improved if; • The diagonals start and finish at identical X, Y or Z co-ordinatesas shown opposite. (This ensures that the effects of other machineerrors are eliminated). • Backlash is eliminated by moving in the same direction before each reading. • Under good conditions it is possible to measure machine squareness within ± 1 arcsecond. • The technique is especially useful on large machines where access to a large mechanical reference squaremay be problematic. Incorrect Correct

18. Conclusion

19. Laser diagonal tests - conclusion • Laser diagonal tests can provide a quick method of measuring a machine as it moves along a machine’s diagonals. • With care, laser diagonal results can be used to accurately determine the squareness errors between axes. • Laser diagonal measurements are sensitive to multiple machine error sources, however... • It is possible for the effectof one error source on thediagonal to cancel another. • This will give a laser diagonalresult that does not relate tothe volumetric accuracyof the machine. • Therefore, laser diagonal tests in isolation, do not provide a reliable way of measuring machine volumetric accuracy.

20. Laser diagonal tests - conclusion • For a more reliable evaluation of machine performance, laser diagonal tests should be supplemented with other tests, such as ballbar circular tests and conventional laser linear, angular and straightness tests parallel to the machine’s axes. • These tests are defined elsewhere in the American B5.54 and B5.57 Standards and the ISO230 series of international standards. ML10 laser head Linear optics Angular optics QC10 ballbar Straightness optics