Papers by Keyword: Form-Shaping Theory

Abstract: Design process of a machine tool is sometimes experience basis and time-consuming. The author has proposed a design tool for machine tools based on form-shaping theory and robust design technique. The tool can determine suitable configuration of machine tools, or important design parameters and error factors that affect machine tool performance, without prototyping. Especially in case of recently popular 5-axis machine tools, since the number of motion axis increases, there are huge options of axes combinations. It is difficult for machine tool designers to simulate the performance of every design option. Contrarily, the proposed design tool can clarify which design option of machine tool have better performance. In this paper, the tool is applied to the design of 5-axis machine tools. It enables to narrow the selection and make the design procedure more efficient. It also tries to suggest where the rotational motion axes should be placed. Finally, it is concluded that the design tool is effective in supporting configuration design of 5-axis machine tools structure where design knowledge has not been completely established.

Abstract: As has been demonstrated in the “microfactory” which is a miniature manufacturing system proposed by the author’s research group, small machine tools that are comparable in size to their target products lead to large reductions in energy consumption and area. Experiments showed that they were capable of micro mechanical fabrication. However, the design of miniature machine tools has not been fully optimized. The author proposed a design method to estimate machine tool performance. In this paper, the design tool is applied to find miniaturizing strategies. By applying the design tool, it is possible to determine which of the design parameters and error sources would significantly affect machine performance. From the results of calculation, the tool can clarify the effect of machine tool sizes imposed on the machine performances. This leads to some suggestions regarding machine tool sizes. Finally, design guidelines for miniature machine can be obtained.