XD Laser interferometer Efficient application of straightness detection for machine tool guide rails

On the Straightness Error of Machine Tool Guideway
The straightness error of machine tool guide rails is an important parameter among the 21 geometric errors of machine tools, and together with positional error and verticality error, it constitutes the 12 basic parameter errors among the 21 geometric errors of machine tools; It is a necessary error parameter for installation and calibration of new machine tools, as well as Maintenance and calibration of in-service machine tools. Controlling the guide rail error within a reasonable range can more effectively ensure the overall performance of the machine tool, and process high-quality workpieces and products with high standards.

Traditional detection method for straightness of guide rails
Based on traditional tools and instruments, people have summarized some detection methods for straightness error of machine tool guide rails in production, among which there are two commonly used and typical detection methods:

1. Use a ruler and a micrometer to measure the straightness of the machine tool guide rail.
A flat ruler is a commonly used measuring instrument that can be used to measure the appearance, surface roughness, straightness, parallelism, and other parameters of the target by selecting different materials of flat rulers according to measurement needs, combined with a micrometer/dial indicator. However, the use of a flat ruler combined with a micrometer to detect straightness also has some inherent flaws and uncertainties:

① The travel of a flat ruler is limited, making it difficult to detect longer guide rails;
② The flat ruler itself has a large weight and volume, making it difficult to place and adjust during transportation and measurement;
③ The reading of the dial gauge relies more on the operator's own experience, leading to an increase in subjective error.

2. Use a collimator to detect the straightness of the machine tool guide rail.
Collimator is a precise angle measuring instrument, which is composed of collimator and telescope. With the development of human manufacturing technology, autocollimator has also been derived. Compared to a flat ruler, the use of a collimator is more flexible and convenient. The use of a collimator can achieve the detection of straightness errors in the guide rail. However, the disadvantage is that after the measurement is completed, straightness errors need to be obtained through conversion, and real-time adjustment guidance for the guide rail cannot be achieved.

API Solution

The API brand's XD Laser-3D Laser Interferometer (hereinafter referred to as XD-3D) is an excellent tool for detecting straightness errors in guide rails. XD-3D can be used not only to measure linear errors (positioning accuracy, repeated positioning accuracy, reverse clearance), but also to detect straightness errors. Using an XD-3D laser interferometer to measure straightness has high accuracy, simple and convenient operation, and significantly improves efficiency compared to traditional detection methods.

The principle is that a high-precision PSD position sensor is integrated on the reflector of the interferometer; When measuring, not only can the positioning accuracy of the straight axis be measured, but also the straightness parameters in both directions of the axis can be measured; Significantly improved detection efficiency, ensuring accuracy and stability even when detecting long-distance guides.

In addition, using XD-3D can also assist in real-time adjustment of guide rail straightness. The software provides real-time straightness observation function. By setting two points as benchmarks at the starting and ending points of the guide rail, the straightness data can be cleared to zero. Based on the real-time displayed straightness data, online adjustment operations of the guide rail can be guided, greatly improving the accuracy and efficiency of guide rail adjustment.

XD Laser-3D Laser Interferometer
The XD-3D laser interferometer used in this case can simultaneously measure the linear positioning error (positioning accuracy, repeated positioning accuracy, reverse clearance) of the machine tool's linear axis, as well as the straightness errors of XX and YY, with stable operation and high measurement efficiency. The characteristics and achievable functions are summarized as follows:

Measurement of linear positioning error (positioning accuracy, repeated positioning accuracy, reverse clearance);
Measurement of straightness (including straightness parameters in both horizontal and vertical directions perpendicular to the motion axis);
No need to replace optical components to achieve simultaneous measurement of the above parameters, with ultra-high detection efficiency;
In straightness and angle measurement, it is not afraid of light interruption and can replace the use of a collimator to guide and adjust installation;
Multiple installation methods, flexible and convenient, allowing for easy installation even in the most demanding crowded environments;
It can be widely used in various testing environments.

XD Laser series laser interferometer
In addition to the XD Laser-3D laser interferometer used in this case, API also provides you with 1D, 5D, and 6D models of XD Laser interferometers. For XD-6D model, 6 parameters can be measured at the same time in one installation, including X, Y, Z, yaw angle, pitch angle, and roll angle. The detection efficiency is 5 times higher than that of ordinary interferometer! The 1D, 5D, and 6D models are available in both standard and precision versions, fully meeting the measurement needs of factories and laboratories.

About API
The API brand was founded by Dr. Kam Lau in Rockwell, Maryland, USA in 1987. It is the inventor of laser trackers and holds multiple patents for leading global measurement technologies, making it a leader in the field of precision measurement technology; Since its establishment, API has always been committed to the research and development and production of precision measurement instruments and high-performance sensors in the field of mechanical manufacturing. Its products have been widely applied in advanced manufacturing fields around the world, and are leading in high-precision standards for coordinate measurement and machine tool performance testing.