The error motion of a machine tool spindle directly affects the surface errors of machined parts. The error motions of the spindle are not desired errors in the three linear direction motions and two rotating motions. Those are usually due to the imperfect of bearings, stiffness of spindle, assembly errors, external force or unbalance of rotors. The error motions of the spindle have been needed to be decreased to desired goal of spindle’s performance. The level of error motion is needed to be estimated during the design and assembly process of the spindle. In this paper, the estimation method for the five degree of freedom (5 D.O.F) error motions of the spindle is suggested. To estimate the error motions of the spindle, waviness of shaft and bearings, external force model was used as input data. And, the estimation models are considering geometric relationship and force equilibrium of the five degree of the freedom. To calculate error motions of the spindle, not only imperfection of the shaft, bearings, such as rolling element bearing, hydrostatic bearing, and aerostatic bearing, but also driving elements such as worm, pulley, and direct driving motor systems, were considered.
