Patent ID: 6477927
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for achieving machining accuracy of plus or minus one micrometer with a machining tool having a nominal design accuracy of approximately plus or minus five micrometers comprising:providing a machining tool having a nominal design accuracy of approximately plus or minus five micrometers and having a rotatable spindle assembly, a backlash suppression assembly, a spindle bearing having a preload adjustment mechanism, and a cutting tool holder, wherein the spindle assembly, backlash suppression assembly and the spindle bearing preload adjustment mechanism each have design specifications; installing a work piece in the spindle assembly; adjusting the physical play in the spindle assembly to a minimum in accordance with the spindle assembly design specifications; adjusting the back lash suppression assembly to a minimum of backlash in one direction of tool-to-work piece travel in accordance with the backlash suppression assembly design specifications; adjusting the spindle bearing pre-load setting to the spindle bearing preload adjustment mechanism design specifications; rotating and balancing the spindle assembly and work piece; measuring spindle run out as a function of spindle rotation speed to determine at least one speed at which spindle run out is no more than one micrometer; mounting a cutting tool into the cutting tool holder; and operating the machine tool at a spindle rotating speed having an acceptable measured spindle run out.