System and method for correcting machine load effect on kinematic accuracy

A machining assembly comprising:

• a machining tank;
• a machining system comprising:
• a base;
• a cantilevered arm including a first arm end and a second arm end, the first arm end of the cantilevered arm movably attached to the base;
• and
• a rotary table positioned at the second arm end of the cantilevered arm, the rotary table rotatable relative to the cantilevered arm about a first axis, the rotary table positioned within the machining tank;
• a measurement artifact mounted to the rotary table, at least a portion of the measurement artifact located outside of the machining tank;
• and
• a computer numerical control (CNC) controller configured to control movement of the cantilevered arm and rotation of the rotary table.

A method for calibrating a machining system, the method comprising:

• installing a measurement artifact on a rotary table of the machining system, the rotary table rotatable about a first axis having a first unloaded position and a first unloaded orientation, the measurement artifact extends from a first artifact end mounted to the rotary table to a second artifact end, the second artifact end located outside of a machining tank;
• measuring a first position of the measurement artifact with the rotary table of the machining system positioned within the machining tank;
• installing a load on the rotary table, the first axis having a first loaded position and a first loaded orientation with the load installed on the rotary table;
• measuring a second position of the measurement artifact with the rotary table of the machining system positioned within the machining tank;
• and
• calibrating the machining system by determining a positional deviation of the second position from the first position.