Importance of Machine Calibration

Why a Ballbar Test ?

Due to continuous production/machine shifting/transportation of new machines, the machine geometry & accuracy could change & deviate from the original tolerance that it was set to. Slowly the errors build up and start reflecting on your components and sometimes affect your productivity by giving last minute breakdowns. So it is important to KNOW YOUR MACHINES HEALTH by a quick diagnosis test- Ballbar calibration & also correct few errors immediately in parameters while you can also take a decision on other errors for mechanical/ Laser correction.

Summarising below few benefits which is obvious with the regular machine calibration .

Benefits of using a Renishaw QC20-W Ballbar system

• Increase machine availability – avoid unplanned downtime by tracking machine performance trends before they cause process problems.
• Rapid check of your machines- 10 geometric errors in 20-30 minutes without disturbing your existing fixturing or components setup.
• Circularity tests from 50 radius to 600 radius – based on your machine size can be performed.
• Increase process capability – with better machine accuracy and repeatability, parts will be more consistent.
• Guarantee quality – part-to-part variation, scrap, rework and concessions will all reduce.
• Machine Validation certification – Be more competitive to customers presenting the added step in your process, International Automotive Task Force(IATF) audits, aerospace audits
• A wide range of machine errors, such as servo mismatch, backlash, reversal spikes which can be corrected immediately in parameters and other errors like straightness/ squareness + few others can be identified.
• Error Simulation software- Gives you exact guidance what to do on a machine with high error– What error if you adjust, can impact circularity & position tolerance.