Product category:
Control systems, DROs, etc, for machine tools
News Release from: Centre for Precision Technologies | Subject: Volumetric Compensation Software - CNC accuracy
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 24 October 2005
VCS improves CNC machine tool accuracy
Volumetric Compensation Software is a utility designed to run in the background of a CNC system to improve the accuracy of the machine tool under its control.
Volumetric Compensation Software is a highly sophisticated utility designed to run in the background of a CNC system with the purpose of improving the accuracy of the machine tool under its control In the case of older or incompatible systems the software may run on an adjacent PC interfaced between the machine and its controller
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 24 Oct 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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* What does VCS do? - It dramatically enhances the Volumetric Accuracy of the machine tool and subsequently the quality of the product by cancelling geometrical errors and also those caused by thermal change IE expansion and contraction of the machine structure.
* My machine has been calibrated so why does it need VCS? - The normally accepted calibration procedure corrects errors in axis positioning but this is just one of many factors governing volumetric accuracy, something that machine builders rarely specify but is nevertheless critical to the production of accurate work.
* How does VCS work? - By making extremely small and very rapid corrections to the movement of the machine axes as they execute their programmed moves.
Errors are cancelled dynamically before they take effect on the work piece using correction data drawn from previously compiled tables stored on the CNC system.
* Where is VCS used? - Mainly in metal-cutting machines with three axes or more.
The benefits are to be seen both in the machining of small, high accuracy components and in the larger machine tool where significant errors can be much reduced.
A version for 5-axis machines is being developed.
Also the possible application to lathes and to coordinate measuring machines is under consideration.
* How have machinists managed without VCS until now ? - Usually by spending a great deal of time and effort on geometrical alignments and then using skill and ingenuity to fine tune and 'tweak' their machines and part programs to achieve the final accuracy.
Such intense and time consuming work increases downtime and the risk of scrap components.
* How much does VCS cost? - As a completely new and unique venture VCS development costs are high but the price per installation is at present negotiable and set to fall with demand.
* Does VCS have any drawbacks? - None provided that the machine has a compatible control system and is mechanically sound with good repeatability.
The system is completely transparent requiring no operator input.
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