Modelling of a Coordinate Measuring Machine for Analysis of Its Dynamic Behaviour

Summary It is generally known that the mechanical accuracy of coordinate measuring machines depends on both static and dynamic error sources. Mostly in existing measuring machines, static error sources can be corrected by means of additional software. However, correction of dynamic errors in existing machines due to system response to excitations is very difficult. Therefore it is important to optimise the response of the mechanical structure to dynamic excitations before a prototype has been realised. This paner describes how a realistic estimation of the lower natural frequencies can be obtained, based on the Lagrange energy method and Guyan reduction. The theoretical results have been verified by means of modal analysis of an existing measuring machine.