Increasing 5-axis accuracy by probing, auto-tuning

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5-axis auto-tuning eliminates mistakes

Geometric error adds up very quickly. Manual tuning is a tricky business. Historically, taking a machine out of production for hours for tuning has been a necessary evil, but it’s a productivity killer that you no longer need to endure.

5-axis auto-tuning accomplishes exactly what the term suggests: It automatically tunes geometric error on 5-axis machining centres, using a touch probe and tooling ball (datum sphere). The operator first places the tooling ball on the machining centre’s table and the software identifies the number of points to be measured. The tolerance requirements of the finished parts will indicate how tightly the machine should be tuned. The more measurements taken, the more accurate the tuning and the longer the auto-tuning process.

Once all the measurement points have been identified, the operator indicates which tool number contains the measurement probe and pushes start, and the auto-tuning system will begin probing and measuring. The machine starts rotating the C-axis and tilting A, for example, so now it’s on a compound plane and it probes at all the parameters indicated. All points are automatically probed and mathematical calculations are made. All the operator has to do is watch. There are no mistakes.

The entire process might take five to 15 minutes, and, because the process is automated, even a novice operator should be able to follow the procedure. In this way, mould makers can check and correct the machine anytime they need to, ensuring accuracy and productivity, and minimising downtime.

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