Page 116 - Modular design for machine tools

78 Modular Design Guide and Machine Tools Description

created up to now so that the designer can apply the modular principle
properly in accordance with the design requirements. There are, as
shown below, various classification systems depending on the core fac-
tors to be considered.
1. From the viewpoint of the utilization method: This classification
system was established in the early 1960s and up to today has been
widely used. In this case, modular design can be classified into that
already shown in Fig. 1-15, depending upon either the user- oriented
or the manufacturer- oriented type.
2. From the viewpoint of design methodology (those for free and variant
designs): In discussing the classification method of modular design,
there is an idea compatible with both the free and variant designs.
In other words, this idea is based on the principle of adaptation. In
the free design, the machine tool as a whole can be reconfigured
according to the various aspects of its functionalities, performances,
and configurations with the modular design, whereas the machine
tool can be only modified within the machining space in the variant
design even when the modular design is used (refer to Chap. 3).

Because of the simplicity of the principles in modular design, the
basic classification system of modular design is not especially complex,
although the application of modular design has apparently been spread
over a wider area, resulting in a handful of variants. In the following,
the classification system available around the year 2000 is stated in full
consideration of the present and future perspectives of modular design.

2.3.1 Modular design being
widely employed
Importantly, modular design has a handful of representative variants,
and they must be applied to the design work so as to effectively func-
tion their characteristic features. With special respect to the modular
design being employed, there are three representations, and thus their
firsthand views will be stated in the following.

1. Variant 1: accommodation of versatile performance and dimensional
specifications. This modular design is the unit construction type of
old, and it is capable of ramifying the performance and dimensional
specifications within the same kind, e.g., main motor power and table
size, although the variation of machining methods is relatively con-
strained. Obviously, this is very popular even now and has been
applied to the general-purpose machine tool such as the conventional
MC and TC. In short, the primary concern is the economic advantage
together with the ease of use including the higher compatibility with