Checking Backlash

Machining Centers

Checking Backlash
Warm up the machine before checking backlash.
Backlash testing should be taken in three different
locations and averaged.
Do Not use the manual pulse generator for testing.
One test should be conducted at 10inch/min.cutting feed (G01) and
the second test at 100% rapid feed rate (G00).

Backlash parameters can be set back to zero.

Parameters input in micron increments. A value of 10 will compensate
for about .0004, a value of 20 will compensate for about .0008.

Checking Backlash

+
Z

Make one move

in any direction
at least the pitch
of the ball screw.
A common distance
for any machine is
2. or (50.mm)

X axis +2.

Checking Backlash

+
Z

Once the move has

been made set a
indicator to zero
on the trailing side

X
-

Indicator
set at 0
X axis +2.

Checking Backlash

+
Z

Now move an
additional 2. (50.mm)
away from the indicator

Indicator
away from
axis

X axis +2.

Checking Backlash

+
Z

Now move 2. (50.mm)

back to the indicator
the reading on the
indicator will be the
current amount of
backlash in the axis

X
-

Indicator
reads -.0004
X axis -2.

Checking Backlash
In order to use a auto mode instead of the
manual pause generator, select MDI mode.
The auto mode is needed due to having two
parameters to compensate for backlash.The
following is a example of a cutting and rapid
feed rate command.
Rapid Feed

Cutting Feed

G00X2.;X2.;X-2.;M99
Axis
G-Code

G01X2.F10.;X2.;X-2.;M99
Repeat

End of Block

Direction

Feed Rate

Checking Backlash
The control doesnt have to be powered off & on
for the new parameter value to be active.
Again the parameters input in micron values if
the machine has an inch or metric display.
Example: .001 * 25.4= .0254mm or 25microns
.017mm or 17microns
Inch * 25.4 = mm

mm / 25.4 = Inch