Page 142 - Modular design for machine tools

102 Modular Design Guide and Machine Tools Description

2.4.2 Machining complex and
processing complex
In retrospect, an ancestor of the machining complex may be the engine
lathe of Ramo make in the mid-1960s. The lathe was, in addition to per-
forming various turning operations, capable of even key-slotting and
broaching using the devices attached to the tailstock. Consequently, this
idea has been keeping its value in machine tool design, and duly func-
tioning on the occasion of the Japanese Big National Project conducted
between 1977 and 1984 [33, 34]. In this project, a “Complex Machining
Centre” was developed as shown in Fig. 2-25, which is not so compact, but
of very modular type, and can be characterized by the following functions.
1. The machine can deal with turning, drilling, milling, gear cutting,
grinding as well as laser welding and surface hardening, and thus it
appears to be a predecessor of the processing complex.
2. The machine is equipped with the measurement function.
3. The machine has the automatic spindle unit changer, automatic work
changer, work hands-off function, subassembly function, ATC, tool
magazine changer, automatic chuck changer, and measuring probe
changing system.

Automatic headstock
changer
No. 3 unit
No. 2 unit complex
complex

Z
Z

X Y
Y

B

No. 1 unit X
complex
Figure 2-25 Concept of complex machining center developed by Japanese Big
National Project in the 1970s.