A calibration method for numerical controlled machine tools (1), which uses a kinematic model to generate a compensation model for the positioning error occurring with the movement of the linear (X, Y, Z) and rotation axes (B, C, A) of a machine tool (1). The calibration method measures the positions of a calibration ball (6) with a measurement sequence which includes the combined movement of the calibration ball (6) around two rotation axes (C, B or C, A), wherein the measurements around a first rotation axis (C) include at least two rotational position movements around a second axis (B or A).

A tool center point calibration device includes a laser light source and a semi-transparent mirror configured to split a light beam of the laser light source into the first light beam and the second light beam. The second light beam is at of about a 90 angle to the first light beam. A first light detector at the first light beam generates a first signal when the first light beam is interrupted, and a second light detector at the second light beam generates a second signal when the second light beam is interrupted.

A measurement jig for measuring precision errors caused by multi-axis synchronized motion is provided and includes: a stand vertically fixed to a table of a machine tool; a first support transversely disposed at an appropriate height of the stand to connect with a first measurement component; a second support vertically disposed on the first support and keeping a distance from the stand to connect with a second measurement component and move relative to the first support; and a third support vertically disposed on the first support between the stand and the second support to connect with a third measurement component and move relatively to the first support, wherein the first, second and third measurement components measure precision errors caused by a multi-axis synchronized motion and examine the precision of the Tool Center Point (TCP).

A position sensing tool for enabling topographical measurements of a working surface is provided. The tool includes sensors for mapping the tool environment and for positioning of the tool within the environment. The tool enables tracking of tool activity within the environment. The tool enables design and fabrication collaboration with other computer systems. The tool enables user and tool environment safety using tool positional, user position and tool environment awareness. Certain embodiments of the tool permit automated guidance of tasks in the tool environment.

A Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) system comprising a CMM, a rotary table, and a rotation arrangement, wherein the CMM system is configured to be calibrated by determining the 6 dof pose of a jig, and to a method for calibrating. The jig may be mounted such that a current pose of the jig is associated with a current pose of the rotary table with respect to the CMM. The rotary table may be moved into multiple poses, and the 6 dof pose of the jig is measured for each of the multiple poses of the rotary table. An error map is generated, based on the angles associated with the poses of the rotary table, and is used to generate a coordinate transformation from the CMM coordinate system to the part coordinate system, which is associated with the rotary table, based on the error map.