Geometric Error Modeling of Machine Tools Based on Screw Theory

In order to build an linear, high computational efficiency geometric error model for machine tools, a new error modeling method based on screw theory is presented. Geometrical error sources are expressed as error twists, and the integrated model is calculated as the sum of error twists. The method is demonstrated on a 2-DOF mechanism and a simulation error modeling procedure at 1000 random points for a 5-axis machine tool is conducted. The simulation results show that the computational efficiency increase by 5 times. The feasibility of the proposed method is also verified and the physical influences of the error sources are also analyzed. This modeling method has high computational efficiency and clear physical meanings. It is useful to guide the design of new machine tools.