Real-time cutting force induced error compensation on a turning center

Abstract A real-time error compensation system has been developed to reduce the cutting force induced planar error of a two-axis turning center by using sensing, metrology, modeling, and computer control techniques. Ten error components are formulated as a two-dimensional error field. A piezoelectric force sensor mounted in the pocket under the tool turret is used to characterize the cutting forces. A compensation controller based on an IBM/PC has been linked with the existing computer numerical controller (CNC) to correct machine errors in real time. Three different types of cutting tests were performed and the results showed that the maximum diameter error in the workpiece was reduced by 67–85% using this compensation system.