New system offers fast, automated health check for multi-axis machine tools

In just a few minutes, users of five-axis machining centres and multi-tasking mill-turn machines can now identify and report on poor machine alignments and geometry that can cause extended process setting times, as well as non-conforming parts.

Analyse the performance of machine tool rotary axes

There has been strong growth in the market for multi-axis machines, but until now, no easy and reliable process for analysing the performance of their rotary axes and identifying problems caused by incorrect machine set-up, collisions or wear. Key to precision machining is the ability to understand the location of the centres of rotation of the rotary axes relative to the machine’s linear axes. Without accurate data about these ‘pivot points’, a machine’s controller will be unable to reliably control the relative positions of the tool and the component as the rotary axes are moving, leading to inconsistent machining results.

AxiSet Check-Up sphere on mill/turn chuckRenishaw’s AxiSet Check-Up provides accurate and repeatable test results using automated probing routines to gather performance data from a reference artefact, and includes simple, yet powerful analysis. All tests utilise existing spindle-mounted Renishaw touch probes, which are standard fitment on most multi-axis machines, with probing routines generated using machine-specific macro software supplied with AxiSet Check-Up.