Ballbar Diagnostics

Ball bar diagnostics is based on how accurately a CNC machine will trace a circle. The more accurate the circle, the more accurate the positioning performance of the CNC machine’s two axis. The test can be done to include all three axis combinations (XY, XZ, and YZ). Many Characteristics in the machine’s control system, geometry, wear and binding, to name a few, can cause deviations from the theoretical circle desired by operators and owners of CNC equipment.

We use the Renishaw QC-10 ballbar diagnostic system, giving us the ability to analyze up to 23 different machine errors. By measuring the actual circular path and comparing it to the desired theoretical path we can assess the CNC machine’s position accuracy and determine the source of error. It allows us to establish a benchmark and accurately track the conditions of machines, with quantifiable values, as well as diagnose a maintenance problem that slowly appears over time and therefore often goes unnoticed. We can eliminate a future major repair by completing less costly corrective maintenance today.