Design and Evaluation of a New-Type Multifunctional Machine Tool - Functional Requirements and Design -

Abstract

The objective of this research is to develop a new type of flexible and multifunctional machine tool which can be integrated into such manufacturing processes as machining, inspection and the heat treatment of mechanical products. The functional requirements of the multifunctional machine tools were initially analyzed based on a questionnaire given to both the users and the designers of machine tools. The basic configuration of the machine tool is proposed to conform to the functional requirements. The configuration designed has two main spindles, for both the tool and the work, one subspindle, and eight rotational and linear feed axes. All the machining processes of turning, milling, 5-axis machining of sculpted surfaces, grinding, slotting gear shaving and laser processing can be carried out using the proposed machine tool without the need for manual set-ups. A simulation model and a scale model are developed that simulate the manufacturing motion processes and the set-up processes of the machine tool.