5-Axis Auto Tuning – Let the Machine Do The Work

When machining with a 5-axis CNC machine tool, volumetric accuracy is critical in maintaining quality of your finished parts. Most 5-axis machining centers have 11 possible geometrical errors that can occur. Due to this fact, there’s no way a machine can be perfect since there are tolerances, clearances, and other variants that effect the operations. Additionally, manually dialing in a 5-axis machine can prove to be a long, tedious process of constant probing and tweaking.

Although there are often myths and misconceptions that center around 5-axis machining, the inclusion of 5-Axis Auto Tuning technology makes 5-axis machining much more approachable. Let’s discuss how implementing 5-Axis Auto Tuning can help save you valuable time, create higher-accurate parts, and decrease your material waste.

Take the guesswork out of the setup process

With Okuma’s intuitive OSP control system, the labor-intensive process of fine tuning your 5-axis machine is automated using the intelligent technology of 5-Axis Auto Tuning. Using 5-Axis Auto Tuning technology (which comes standard on many of Okuma’s 5-axis machining centers) allows for a better understanding of the mechanical characteristics of a machine so compensations and adjustments can easily be made to accurately tune out any geometrical errors.

How does 5-Axis Auto Tuning work?

5-Axis Auto Tuning is a relatively quick and easy process that can be accomplished by visiting a pre-defined screen within the OSP software and does not require a high-level of skill. On screen messages guide users with a simple step-by-step procedure to start the measurement process. The automated tuning process utilizes a target sphere and probes at a multitude of different touch points throughout the travel range and at different degrees of rotation to pinpoint and record any machine discrepancies. The OSP control then performs compensation using the measured results to tune motion accuracy in all 5-axes. Once the auto tuning process is complete, which takes approximately ten minutes, the settings are stored for the geometric compensations to be applied continuously in real-time within the background during all modes of operation. The benefits of this feature are seen both for positional, as well as simultaneous 5-axis machining. This ensures that no matter how you are using your machine tool, the best possible accuracies will be achieved – even over time.

Want more details? Watch this short 5-Axis Auto Tuning video.

When to use the 5-Axis Auto Tuning function

This intuitive software is simple to run and eliminates the once required visit of a certified technician. Although the need to use 5-Axis Auto Tuning may vary based on machining center usage rates and other factors, there are several key events when the 5-Axis Auto Tuning process should be run during the life of the machine:

• Once a new machining center is delivered and installed to remove unwanted variations that could have occurred during shipment or setup
• Recommended periodically to validate the machine’s foundation has not settled or any other environmental changes have not occurred
• Anytime an unforeseen error or crash happens

Let the machine do the work

At Okuma, we strive to make your machining adventures easier, more productive, and have a higher rate of return – so if you are looking to adopt 5-axis machining or want to learn how to utilize an existing 5-axis machining center that has 5-Axis Auto Tuning capabilities, please remember we are always here to help.