The telescoping Ballbar is becoming one of the most powerful, all-around tools for CNC evaluation and is the single best device for checking contouring accu­racy. The ballbar is relatively inexpensive and is highly recommended for in­house machine tool quality maintenance programs.  

The API Ballbar is easy to operate, provides automatic error identification, and is designed with a unique parallel spring suspension that provides an extremely accurate and frictionless measurement. This design allows extensions up to 1 meter test radius for large machines.  

The Ballbar tests show how two axes work together to move the machine in a cir­cular path. In a perfect machine, two axes would make a perfect circle. The Ballbar measures any deviation the machine makes from a perfect circle and dis­plays the data in a polar plot format. 

Powerful Analysis Software Eliminates Guesswork  

The analysis software available with the Ballbar automatically identifies the types and sources of errors. This feature is especially helpful with complicated traces where compound errors are present. Error parameters in the Analysis Package include backlash, backlash compensation, servo-error, periodic error, scale mismatch and squareness.  

A companion Simulation Program allows the user to experiment with multiple variables and to learn how the various types of errors influence the contouring performance of a CNC machining center. By duplicating the errors of the machine tool, the user can determine which error correction will lead to the greatest improvement in machine performance.  

The API Ballbar System may well be the single best all-around device to evaluate and diagnose CNC machines and robots. Easy operation and automatic error identification combine with a unique parallel spring suspension that renders extremely accurate and frictionless measurement. The design allows extensions up to 1.5 meters in radius for large machines. 

The Ballbar test shows how two axes work together to move the machine in a circular path. Two axes would make perfect circles in a perfect machine, but the API Ballbar measures any deviation from perfection and displays the data in a polar format. Analysis software automatically identifies the types and sources of errors, which is particularly useful where compound errors are present. Error parameters in the analysis software include backlash, backlash components, servo error, periodic error, scale mismatch and squareness.  A companion simulation package allows the user to experiment with multiple variables and to learn how various errors influence the contouring performance of a CNC machining center and determine which error correction will lead to the greatest improvement. 

Applications: