Spindle Error Analysis Guide
A guide for measuring a machine tool with instructions on running the tests according to ISO and ANSI standards, followed by a template for a test report.
The report template can be modified and personalized as required for each unique situation.
Related Standards:
- ANSI/ASME Standard B5.54-2005, “Methods for Performance Evaluation of CNC Machining Centers”
- ANSI/ASME B5.57-2013 “Methods for Performance Evaluation of CNC Lathes and Turning Centers”
- ANSI/ASME B89.3.4 2010, “Axes of Rotation, Methods for Specifying and Testing”
- ISO230-3, “Determination of Thermal Effects”
- ISO230-7, “Geometric Accuracy of Axes of Rotation “
Structural Motion (Spindle Off)
Related Standards Sections
- ISO 230-7, 5.3
- ASME B5.54, 7.5.2
- ASME B5.57, 7.6.2
Conditions
- Machine power on, spindle not rotating, drives, auxiliary, hydraulics off ( E-stop condition)
- Machine power on, spindle not rotating, drives, auxiliary, hydraulics on (Feed-hold condition)
SEA Measurement Window(s)
Probe Meter
Oscilloscope and FFT optionally used for vibration analysis
Probes/Axes Used
X, X2, Y, Y2, Z
Purpose
Initial test to determine:
- Robustness of setup (e.g. vibrations in probe nest due to weak interface plates, poor mounting)
- Vibrations present in the machineās structural loop due to external (e.g. floor vibrations) & internal sources (e.g. lubrication pumps, poor controller settings).
- Possible presence of electrical error sources (e.g. EMC induced measurement noise).
Performing the test
Drives off (E-stop condition)
For each probe/channel,
- Reset TIR of Probe Meter.
- Wait 5 seconds
- Record the TIR of the channel.
Drives, auxiliary, hydraulics on (feed-hold condition)
For each probe/channel,
- Reset TIR of Probe Meter.
- Wait 5 seconds
- Record the TIR of the channel.
Oscilloscope and FFT displays can be used to assess vibration frequencies and amplitudes of repeating or intermittent vibrations.
Slow Speed Setup Test
Conditions
Spindle rotating less then 60RPM (driven or manually turned)
Probes/Axes Used
X, X2, Y, Y2, Z
SEA Measurement Windows
Probe Meter
Oscilloscope
Purpose
Measurement to check the setup while the machineās spindle is rotating slowly.
Performing the test
Environmental Temperature Variation Error (ETVE)
Related Standards Sections
- ISO 230-3, 5
- ASME B5.54, 6.2
- ASME B5.57, 6.2.1
Conditions
Before Test: Machine must soak-out for a minimum of 12 hours at ambient temperature during which the spindle is not active.
During Test: Machine is in a āfeed holdā condition. Surrounding environmental conditions during test must reflect typical conditions during machine operation.
Probes/Axes Used
X, X2, Y, Y2, Z
Temperature Sensors
SEA Measurement Window
Thermal
Recorded Values
Purpose
The relative displacement of the tool with respect to the workpiece is measured and stored for this test. These measurements indicate the magnitude of spindle shift errors as a result of typical environmental conditions for the machine.
Performing the test
Thermal Drift
Related Standards Sections
- ISO 230-3, 6
- ASME B5.54, 7.6.2
- ASME B5.57, 7.7.2
Conditions
Before Test: Machine must soak-out for a minimum of 12 hours at ambient temperature during which the spindle is not active.
During Test: Rotating spindle at 75% of maximum speed
Probes/Axes Used
X, X2, Y, Y2, Z
SEA Measurement Window
Thermal
Recorded Values
Ā
Purpose
The relative displacement of the tool with respect to the workpiece is measured and stored for this test. These measurements indicate the magnitude of spindle shift errors due to spindle generated heat during machine warm up and can help determine the minimum spindle warm up time required to meet specifications and deficiencies in the spindle cooling system.
Performing the test
Initial Speed Range Test
Conditions
Rotating spindle stepped from low to maximum RPM (Caution: Do not exceed maximum RPM for the masterball).
Probes/Axes Used
X, Y, Z
SEA Measurement Windows
Recorded Values
Purpose
Determine troublesome spindle speeds for further investigation during Full Analysis
Performing the test
Observe/Record Synchronous and Asynchronous error motion throughout spindle speed range.
After each change of speed, click the āSet Target RPM to Measured RPMā button in the Analysis Configuration window. This resets the DAQ for appropriate sample rates for that speed.
Look for Sweet Speeds (smallest error motion) and Sour Speeds (largest error motion). During Full Analysis, special attention may be paid to Sour Speeds to see if a cause/remedy can be found.
Full Analysis
For a full analysis, measurements are performed at a minimum of five equally spaced spindle speeds. Typical operating speeds should explicitly be used in this test. ANSI standards require that 10%, 50%, and 100% of full speed be included. For these tests, the measurements are stored separately (in ASCII code) as well and can be used for detailed analysis after measurements are completed.
Fixed Sensitive Radial and Axial (Lathes, Turning Centers, and Grinders)
Related Standards Sections
- ISO 230-7, 5.5
- ASME B5.57, 7.5.3
Conditions
Rotating spindle at selected speeds including common speeds for normal use.
Probes/Axes Used
X, Z
SEA Measurement Window
Recorded Values at Each Speed
Purpose
Measure error motions of spindle to determine machine capability and health
Performing the test
Set tests for 32 revolutions. Record all error motion values, for each selected speed, in report table.
Rotating Sensitive Radial and Axial (All Machine Tools)
Related Standards Sections
- ISO 230-7, 5.4
- ASME B5.54, 7.5.3
- ASME B5.57, 7.6.4
Conditions
Rotating spindle at selected speeds including common speeds for normal use.
Probes/Axes Used
X, Y, Z
SEA Measurement Window
Recorded Values at Each Speed
Purpose
Measure error motions of spindle to determine machine capability and health
Performing the test
Set tests for 32 revolutions. Record all error motion values, for each selected speed, in report table.
Tilt – Fixed Sensitive Direction
Related Standards Sections
- ISO 230-7, 5.5.5
- ASME B5.54, 7.5.3.2
- ASME B5.57, 7.6.3.3
Conditions
Rotating spindle at selected speeds including common speeds for normal use.
Probes/Axes Used
X, X2 or Y, Y2
SEA Measurement Window
Tilt ā Fixed Sensitive Direction
Recorded Values at Each Speed
Purpose
Measure tilt of spindle at various speeds and/or temperatures
Performing the test
Record all error motion values, for each selected speed, in report table.
Shift versus RPM
Related Standards Sections
- ASME B89.3.4, 2.7.11
Conditions
Rotating spindle at selected speeds including common speeds for normal use.
Probes/Axes Used
X, X2, Y, Y2, and Z
SEA Measurement Window
Shift vs. RPM
Recorded Values at Each Speed
Purpose
Tests the position shift (displacement) of the spindle in X, Y, Z axes and X and Y tilt as the spindle speed is increased stepwise over a short period of time. As the spindle speed increases, mechanical loads within the spindle unit change (i.e. changing centrifugal forces, changing preloads) affecting the relative position of the spindle. This test can also reveal the actual status of the preload of the spindle bearings.
Performing the test
When test is complete, record position shift in each axis, at each speed for increase and decrease in RPM and insert screenshot of graph.