Ballbar Lathe test
The Renishaw QC20W Ballbar and it's software is an instrument which is used to measure
geometric errors in a CNC machine tool . It is useful to detect inaccuracies induced
by the CNC controller and servo drive systems.
Errors are measured by instructing the machine tool to Perform a circular arc or
circle. Small deviations in the radius of this movement are measured by a ballbar
and captured by the software.
The information is then plotted on the screen, to reveal how well the machine performed
the test.
If the machine had no errors, the plotted data would show a perfect circle. The presence
of any errors will distort this circle, for example, by adding peaks along its circumference
and possibly making it more elliptical.
These deviations from a perfect circle reveal problems and inaccuracies in the numerical
control, drive servos and the machine's axes. The software displays the errors and
suggest ways to improve the machine.
The data can be saved and stored on a PC which is useful for providing historic data.
This data can indicate problems that are about to arise.
