Precision at the push of a button: New Automated Machine Calibration (AMC) helps reduce downtime and ensure stable, long-term quality in Mil

Over time, any assembled mechanical system becomes prone to losing its original calibration and precision due to heat and external factors—and Milling machines are no different. Although they are all calibrated at the factory after assembly and during commissioning, changes in a customer's working environment—including ambient temperature variations and heat during the machining process—cause deviations from this original calibration. This results in losses of process consistency and precision, which in turn negatively impact part quality. Recalibrating a milling machine—especially a five-axis milling machine—is a complex task requiring the necessary materials, time, and the constant availability of thoroughly trained application engineers with deep technical knowledge and data management skills. Even when all of these requirements are met, manufacturers still run the risk of human error in the data management for the machine calibration, which can lead to inaccurately calibrated machines, a continued loss of precision, and final parts with a lower quality.

To simplify machine calibration, GF Machining Solutions has developed an all-in-one, ready-to-use AMC package which allows operators of both three-and five-axis machines to easily and quickly perform a machine recalibration to recover the overall long-term precision required for high-quality parts. The AMC cycle consists of both the software for the Heidenhain TNC 640 control as well as the hardware (a dedicated pallet including a calibration ball and an aluminum reference block) for pallet calibration. Its ergonomic interface is easy to use and requires little training—and the automatic data management reduces human error, minimizes downtime between cycles, and increases operator availability.

To recover the machine's geometry, operators simply start the program and are guided by the interface: AMC assesses and adjusts all key components necessary:

• The touch probe (length of the touch probe and radius of the stylus)
• The tool measuring system (the location of the laser beam in relation to the machine's zero points)
• The B and C axes (the pivot point of the B and C axes in relation to the machine's zero points)

Once deployed, AMC recalibrates any machine within 10 minutes to its original kinematic precision—and thanks to its 100% reliability, it is a fast, accurate and secure solution for manufacturers looking to maintain their machines' dimensional offsets on a regular basis and guarantee highly accurate parts.

GF Machining Solutions currently offers AMC as a standard package on its three- and five-axis Mikron MILL S and Mikron MILL X series, allowing users to achieve best-in-class standard calibration cycles. The package can be tailored according to manufacturers' individual requirements, for example by including advanced optional smart machine modules (smm) bundles for specific application requirements.