Page 127 - Modular design for machine tools

88 Modular Design Guide and Machine Tools Description

Main spindle speed: 10,000 rpm maximum. Main motor: AC 3.7/5.5 kW
Figure 2-13 MC of line type (type HMC-40LS, 1985, courtesy of Enshu Co.)

of line type. In the former, the various attachments are acceptable at the
quill of spindlestock to realize versatile machining methods, and in the
latter such versatilities can be allowed by changing either the tool maga-
zine or turret head, maintaining the configuration of column traveling. To
deepen the understanding of what is underway in the modular design for
the system machine and its successors, some representations and their
characteristic features are stated below. Intuitively, the modular design of
the present apparently becomes very complicated with the advent of the
system machine and machining complex, although it confronts new facets.

2.4.1 System machines
The term system machine sounds very new; however, the concept had
already been suggested in the beginning of the 1980s, when the system
machine was defined as “a machine compatible with flexible manufac-
turing,” i.e., that of either machining method-integrated type or system
function-integrated type. On that occasion, there were three basic
machines to develop the system machine, i.e., traditional machine tools,
MC and TC, and furthermore the newly conceptualized machine tool.
In fact, Yamazaki Mazak merchandised, with wider scope, an MC of
modular construction in 1976, variants of which were as follows.