Lymington-based Ajax Machine Tools
(www. ajax-mach.co.uk) is now providing on-site laser calibration and ball-bar testing for all installations of its UK-built V700 vertical machining centre.
If this assessment identifies any possible error in the axis positioning, Ajax engineers will fine-tune the machine to ensure that the original build specification is maintained in the customer’s working environment — and provide a certificate of conformity.
Managing director William Savin says: “Temperature has a critical influence on error in the calibration of a machine tool. Checks are normally performed during the final stages of build, but if the machine is produced overseas, where temperatures could be up to 40°C, then shipped half-way around the world, loaded and unloaded and then trucked to its final destination, errors will have accumulated to influence positioning and repeatability.
Equally, machines built in the UK should have initial installation checks, followed by regular monitoring of conformance, if quality standards are to be maintained.”
Ajax has invested in a Renishaw XL-80 laser interferometer. This checks the linear accuracy and repeatability of each axis, while the ball-bar testing checks the circular interpolation.
The company is also making annual re-certification available to its customers.