QUALITY PERFORMANCE TEST FOR SUPER PRECISION SPINDLE

摘要

One of the key components of a machine tool is the spindle; the machine could have a perfect structure and guide-ways, but if the spindle axis moves, the work-piece will present geometrical form errors [1]. Through the years several methods have been developed to characterize spindle axis motion from crude run out tests [2-3], to several contact and non-contact methods using LVDT's, inductive probes and capacitance probes [5]. Today the most accepted method uses a master target and capacitance probes instrumented and connected to a personal computer where all the calculations are made. This modern axis motion measuring instrumentation is capable of sub-micron resolution and accuracy. This equipment mostly finds its place in air bearing and hydrostatic spindle research and manufacturing, since the machines where these are used require ultra-precision components. While this may be true, modern spindle axis motion measuring is also a valuable resource for the Super Precision machine tool manufacturers[4]. The information acquired from these measurements can help in finding spindle defects and their sources. It can also identify if certain assembly process changes have a positive or negative impact. In the following paragraphs it will be shown how the measurement of spindle axis motion provides valuable advantages to the Super Precision spindle manufacturer.