Using a double ball bar to identify position-independent geometric errors on the rotary axes of five-axis machine tools

A measuring method using a double ball bar (DBB) is proposed for identifying the eight position-independent geometric errors (PIGE) on the rotary axes of five-axis machine tools. Three measuring patterns are used, in which the translational axes are kept stationary and only two rotary axes move to obtain a circular trajectory. In this way, the effects of translational axes are totally excluded, and the measurement accuracy is improved. Motion equations, describing how the A-axis and C-axis move simultaneously to realize a circular trajectory, are presented. The influence of each deviation on the measurement patterns is simulated, and analytical solutions for the eight PIGEs are demonstrated. Finally, the measuring method is verified in a five-axis CNC machine tool. Experimental results confirm that the method provides precision results for the eight PIGEs.