Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Paula J Deeds

Jie Gu

Sheri K Kurgin

John Stilianos Agapiou

Michael J Owen

A method for properly locating a flexible fixture on a CNC machine comprises probing a plurality of locators on a flexible fixture to determine a locator position on a coordinate system for the CNC machine. The position for each of the plurality of locators is analyzed to determine if all of the plurality of locators are within a predetermined offset limit from a nominal position. A controller is programmed with an offset compensation amount based upon the probed position for each locator when each of the plurality of locators is within the predetermined offset limit. The locator positions are adjusted if one of the probed locations is not within the predetermined offset limit. The CNC probing programs are generated by a computer language to accommodate various fixture configurations.

Automatic probing, compensation, and adjustment of a flexible fixture for a CNC machine

An electronic system for compensating the dimensional accuracy of a 4-axis CNC machining system includes a CNC machining system configured to machine a plurality of features into a part, a dimensional measuring device configured to measure a plurality of dimensions of the part, and to provide an output corresponding to the measured dimensions and a compensation processor in communication with the CNC machining system and dimensional measuring device. The CNC machining system includes a global coordinate system, and at least one feature being defined relative to a local coordinate system that is translated from the machine coordinate system. Additionally, the compensation processor is configured to receive the output from the dimensional measuring device, to calculate a plurality of CNC offsets, including at least one local offset, and to provide the offsets to the CNC machining system.

Electronic system and method for compensating the dimensional accuracy of a 4-axis CNC machining system using global and local offsets

A method for calibrating a CNC machine comprises mounting a gauge to a table of the CNC machine and calibrating a probe to the gauge mounted on the CNC machine. A total deviation of the probe and an actual table center position from a nominal table center position for a coordinate system associated with the CNC machine are determined. A controller operatively connected to the CNC machine and the probe is programmed to compensate for the total deviation.

Automatic calibration and compensation for a CNC machine table and an associated probe

An electronic system for compensating the dimensional accuracy of a 4-axis CNC machining system includes a CNC machining system configured to machine a feature into a part, a dimensional measuring device configured to measure a dimension of the part, and to provide an output corresponding to the measured dimension, and a compensation processor in communication with the CNC machining system and dimensional measuring device. The compensation processor is configured to receive the output from the dimensional measuring device, to calculate a plurality of CNC offsets, and to provide the offsets to the CNC machining system.

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Ypsilanti, MI, United States of America

Paula J Deeds