I have a converted G0704 mill using grade c7 ballscrews with double nuts. I have matched AC bearings and oldham couplers on the x and y axis. Prior to installing the screws I straightened them with a setup on my bridgeport table. Afterwards I turned the bearing ends and threads in one operation to ensure concentricity. All of this in an effort to reduce backlash and binding. The results were very good. I have zero backlash in the x and y axis, videos below.
After making test cuts I have found that due to the zero backlash, I have a very precise machine. It cuts repeatably. However, my accuracy is off in the x axis due to the screws (I believe). In the y axis, at least in the area I was machining. I machined an octagon and was hitting the 2.750" dimensions in y. In the x axis I am hitting 2.756". The 45 degree sides are at ~2.754" across flats. After running a contour spring pass several times those dimensions did not change, and barely any cutting was noticed.
In order to improve the accuracy in the x axis I was thinking the next step would be mapping the screw? I have an iGaging linear encoder, however the accuracy was limited to .001" increments. I mapped the screw using it and it was off about .000" to .002" from 0-18" in .100" increments. However, I feel like this level of accuracy will actually hurt the current results. I'm more inclined to purchase a glass encoder and use it to map the x and y axis. I actually have one on my bridgeport but am hesitant to remove it.
Alternatively, is there anyway to use wear compensation to account for dimensional issues in only one axis? If it were consistent in both x and y I could just modify the effective diameter of the tool, however, the y axis is dead nuts on.
View attachment Y Axis.mp4
View attachment X Axis.mp4
After making test cuts I have found that due to the zero backlash, I have a very precise machine. It cuts repeatably. However, my accuracy is off in the x axis due to the screws (I believe). In the y axis, at least in the area I was machining. I machined an octagon and was hitting the 2.750" dimensions in y. In the x axis I am hitting 2.756". The 45 degree sides are at ~2.754" across flats. After running a contour spring pass several times those dimensions did not change, and barely any cutting was noticed.
In order to improve the accuracy in the x axis I was thinking the next step would be mapping the screw? I have an iGaging linear encoder, however the accuracy was limited to .001" increments. I mapped the screw using it and it was off about .000" to .002" from 0-18" in .100" increments. However, I feel like this level of accuracy will actually hurt the current results. I'm more inclined to purchase a glass encoder and use it to map the x and y axis. I actually have one on my bridgeport but am hesitant to remove it.
Alternatively, is there anyway to use wear compensation to account for dimensional issues in only one axis? If it were consistent in both x and y I could just modify the effective diameter of the tool, however, the y axis is dead nuts on.
View attachment Y Axis.mp4
View attachment X Axis.mp4