Machine Tool Testing-A Practical Approach

Summary

As NC machines find increasing use in the metal working industries, manufacturers are faced with demands for greater accuracy and improved reliability. In meeting these requirements, the machine tool test specification must keep pace with the demand. Whilst extensive testing at the prototype stage, i.e. design and development testing, is justified, it is certainly uneconomic to continue this into the production stage. It is equally essential, however, from the customer’s point of view, that a realistic program of production testing be fulfilled. Limitations of time and economic considerations make it essential that the test program be rapidly excecuted yet comprehensive. This paper gives an account of how one machine tool manufacturer has met and overcome the problem.