Testing, calibrating and compensating of machine tools

The LaserTRACER in a large gantry milling machine

Using the ETALON system, the geometric variations of a machine can be measured quickly and very accurately. The traversing paths of the machine are automatically traced in space by the LaserTRACER and evaluated using a patented process. Extremely high accuracy is achieved as a result of distance measurements in space using a high-resolution interferometer. The procedure is also used to calibrate highly accurate coordinate measuring devices.

The LaserTRACER in a high-precision horizontal milling machine

The LaserTRACER-MT can be used as an alternative

The automatically generated compensation data can be directly transferred to a SINUMERIK CNC. Using the SINUMERIK Volumetric Compensation System (VCS) option, systematic deviations are compensated throughout the working area.

This usually multiplies the spatial accuracy of the machine.

Comparison of kinematic single errors (according to ISO 230) of an uncompensated and a compensated machine (ETALON compensation data and VCS application)