CNC machine thermal growth characterization and thermal compensation correction

A method comprising:

• mounting an artifact having a pre-existing bore onto a CNC machine including a spindle and probe and a thermal compensation mechanism;
• performing a test cycle of the CNC machine, including:
• probing the artifact bore to determine a first location relative to the spindle and probe;
• probing the artifact bore to determine a second location relative to the spindle and probe, when the thermal compensation mechanism is deactivated, a third location relative to the spindle and probe, when the thermal compensation mechanism is activated;
• and
• performing a dry cycle of the CNC machine including one or more CNC machining processes;
• and
• calculating, via a controller, a first deviation of the second location from the first location and a second deviation of the third location from the first location;
• and
• correcting, via a controller, the thermal compensation mechanism in response to the first and second deviations being outside of an acceptable deviation.

A non-transitory computer readable storage medium, storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to execute the following function:

• receiving information from a CNC machine including a spindle and probe and a thermal compensation mechanism regarding a first location of an artifact bore relative to the spindle and probe, a second location of the artifact bore relative to the spindle and probe, when the thermal compensation mechanism is deactivated during operation of the CNC machine, and a third location of the artifact bore relative to the spindle and probe, when the thermal compensation mechanism is activated while the CNC machine continues to operate;
• and
• calculating a first deviation of the second location from the first location and a second deviation of the third location from the first location;
• and
• correcting the thermal compensation mechanism in response to the first and second deviations being each outside of an acceptable deviation.