Measuring how much backlash exists in your machine axes can be done using indicators, lasers, ballbars and a range of other measuring devices.
All we are really measuring is how much motion is lost when direction is changed.
This value is entered in the machine's parameters, so when an axis changes direction, the control compensates the amount to determine when the axis will physically move.
The value of the parameter is usually in millimetres.
Below are the common parameters for running a backlash test.
Fanuc
Fanuc 0 control:
- X = 535
- Y = 536
- Z = 537
- 4th axis = 538
Fanuc 3 control:
- X = 53
- Y/Z = 54
- Z = 55
Fanuc 6 control:
- X = 115
- Y/Z = 116
- Z/3rd = 117
- 4th = 118
Fanuc 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 21, 16I, 18I, 21I:
- X, Y, Z = 1851
Siemens
Sinumerik 808D:
- X = 32450[0]
- Y = 32450[0]
- Z = 32450[0]
- 4th = 32450[0]
Sinumerik 810D:
- X = 32450[0]
- Y = 32450[0]
- Z = 32450[0]
- 4th = 32450[0]
Sinumerik 802D:
- X = 32450[0]
- Y = 32450[0]
- Z = 32450[0]
- 4th = 32450[0]
Sinumerik 828D:
- X = 32450[0]
- Y = 32450[0]
- Z = 32450[0]
- 4th = 32450[0]
Heidenhain
TNC 410:
- X = 710.0
- Y = 710.1
- Z = 710.2
- 4th = 710.3
TNC 426:
- X = 710.0
- Y = 710.1
- Z = 710.2
- 4th = 710.3
TNC 530:
- X = 710.0
- Y = 710.1
- Z = 710.2
- 4th = 710.3
TNC 2500B:
- X = 710.0
- Y = 710.1
- Z = 710.2
- 4th = 710.3