Research of omnidirectional measurement method to detect the errors of multi-axis numerical control machine tool based on laser tracker

The detection of geometric errors of machine tool is very important in machine tool area. In this study, the omnidirectional measurement method is presented to achieve the quick and accurate detection of the geometric error of machine tool. The laser cat eye (target mirror) angle servo control system (SCS) is applied for improving measurement accuracy and efficiency. The design and principle of the SCS is proposed, and its application in omnidirectional measurement method is also analysed. The range of reflecting angle of the cat eye reflector is expanded because the cat eye reflector can rotate in the range of 360°. The SCS can not only optimise the layout of laser tracker but also decrease measuring time. Meanwhile, the corresponding measurement algorithm and error separation algorithm for linear axis and rotary axis of machine tool are deduced, and the simulations verify the feasibility of the algorithms derived. The experimental results show that the geometric errors of the multi-axis machine tool can be quickly and accurately identified with the omnidirectional measurement method.