Testing, variable selecting and modeling of thermal errors on an INDEX-G200 turning center

The purpose of this research is to enhance the accuracy of an INDEX-G200 turning center through real-time compensation for the thermal errors. This paper presents the whole process of thermal error testing, temperature variable selecting by grouping approach, thermal error modeling, etc. The analysis results show that the thermal error range for radius direction on the machine is approximately 18 mu m larger than expected, the model set by this method is more accurate and robust, and the thermal error is the major error sources for the machine and should be considered seriously by machine builders and users .