Development of a Design Tool for Machine Tools Combining Conceptual Design Support and Detail Design Method

Conclusions

The proposed design evaluation tool was effective in identifying the critical design parameters and error factors of a machine tool. By combining a method which is suitable for determining which factors are significant for overall machine performance, and a method which can calculate structural deformation more precisely, it was possible to obtain guidelines for conceptual design of machine tools, without design experience and detailed calculation.

As the results of the design review, machine tool size which was represented by spindle-column distance had an important effect on machine performance. Therefore, designing a machine tool in a proper size is a good strategy for obtaining better performances by less cost. As for error sources, geometric errors of components, especially straightness errors of linear slides had significant influences on machine performance. Thermal expansion of the main spindle was also a critical source of error. The results led us to conclude that, in designing a precise miniature machine tool, these errors should be minimized or eliminated.

Calculated and measured errors of a miniature milling machine which was originally developed for the microfactory, were compared to prove the effectiveness of the design tool. The results showed a good match and proved that the design method was effective enough for conceptual design of machine tools.