Real-time compensation for tool form errors in turning using computer vision

Deviations from the circular shape of the cutting edge of a single-point turning tool cause form errors in the workpiece during contour cutting. One can compensate for these tool-form errors by determining the size of the effective deviation at a particular instant during cutting and then adjusting the position of the cutting tool accordingly. An algorithm for the compensation of tool-nose-radius errors in real time has been developed and implemented on a CNC turning center. A previously developed computer-vision-based tool- inspection system is used to determine the size of the deviations. 1 Information from this system is fed to the error compensation computer which modifies the tool path in real time. Workpieces were cut utilizing the compensation system and were inspected on a coordinate measuring machine. Significant improvements in workpiece form were obtained. 1.