Design of a kinematic coupling for precision applications

To machine a complex precision product, several tools are needed. These tools are placed on a tool turret. A tool must return several times to its original position. To attain a very high repeatability between the upper part and the base of the tool turret mounted on a precision lathe, it is preferable that the parts of the tool turret are statically determined in their contacts. This is attained by using a kinematic coupling. To attain the required stiffness this coupling is provided with a preload of 1.5 · 103 N. The machining forces are typically less than 1 Newton. A special kinematic coupling, consisting of grooves and balls, was designed, made, and tested. By providing the grooves with self-adjusting surfaces, hysteresis is reduced to less than one-tenth of a micrometer. Maximum stiffness is aimed at by using cemented carbide, a material with a high admissible stress, at the contact points. Experiments show that this kinematic coupling, under a preload of 1.5 · 103 N, has a static stiffness of more than 1 · 108 N/m in every direction and a repeatability better than one-tenth of a micrometer.