The Importance of Scheduling Regular CNC Machine Calibrations

Don’t Miss the Mark – Schedule Regular CNC Machine Calibrations 

The process known as machine tool calibration or CNC machine calibration is commonly used to diagnose and correct errors that may deviate over time according to the manufacturer’s original specifications. When a machine tool is purchased from the manufacturer, that machine meets a certain set of tolerances. As production on that machine increases, so does the tolerance.  Soon, the accuracy of your machine begins to affect the accuracy of your parts, and you have yourself the long-standing domino-effect. In order to ensure your CNC machine is always meeting your customer’s tolerances, it is important you schedule regular calibrations to avoid possible bottlenecks in your production process.

Some reasons why you may consider having your machine tool regularly calibrated include:

• Machine has been newly set
• Parts run by the machine have slowly become out of tolerance
• Machine has recently crashed
• Machine has recently been moved or shipped to another facility

Leveling a machine is crucial to how a machine functions, without a machine being level, the motors can work harder than required and cause major damage to your CNC. You will benefit from a metrology service provider such as ECM – Global Measurement Solutions regularly inspecting the machine’s inaccuracies. By importing a compensation table into the CNC machine coordinates to digitally offset the machine, we are able to re-establish proper accuracy and tolerance levels. If the machine is newly set ECM can utilize our laser tracker systems to level a machine within a flatness of .001”.

ECM offers the highest standard of metrology services using laser trackers, laser scanners, portable arms, and CMMs with professional competency. Our highly-trained engineering team consistently delivers quality service solutions that are innovative and industry proven, giving our customers a competitive edge. In addition to our years of experience in precision measurement services, our metrologists are certified to the Coordinate Metrology Society’s Level-1 and Level-2 Certifications, which means that their skills are validated by the industry’s most complete practical body of knowledge. 

ECM has a dedicated calibration division for CNC machines and other machine tools. Using the Renishaw XL-80 we can measure set point distance deviations and report how the machine is running along any given axis (XYZ). We also have the ability to measure any rotatory axis with the Renishaw XR-20w, this piece of equipment allows the user to set angular rotation values down to arc second accuracy and report rotational deviations.

Additional CNC Machine Verifications Include:

• Angularity
• Flatness
• Straightness
• Squareness

Beginning your CNC calibration process is fast and simple with our comprehensive CNC machine guide and dedicated metrologist assisting with every step. By providing your machine type, controller type, volume and expected tolerance, we can have your machine up and running at maximum efficiency in no time! After inspection is complete, ECM provides a comprehensive report on overall machine performance. The report includes axis accuracy, repeatability (+ & - directions), and bi-directional repeatability. Your complete report will also include graphs of all data plots, along with temperature readings.

With our highly competitive pricing, and quick turn-around times, ECM provides calibration and inspection services for: Laser Trackers, Portable Arms, Laser Scanners, Totals Stations, CMMs, Levels, Autocollimators, CNC Machines and Hand Tools. Most of our calibration services can be performed onsite at the customers facility or at our ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Laboratory. Contact us to schedule your calibration today!

Article by Cody Carpenito, ECM Metrologist

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