A Positioning Servo for Automatic Machine Tool Operation

This paper describes a relay servo system used in the positioning of machine tools. Its primary application is in the manufacture of parts that have to fit accurately other parts on which all machining has been completed. A linear transducer uses the dimension of the machined part to obtain the reference signal, while a matched linear transducer provides the error signal for the servo system. A particular application of the servo system as used in a fully automatic railroad shop is described.