Page 189 - Modular design for machine tools

Application of Machine Tool Description to Engineering Design 149

In this computation, a further problem is to identify the leading errors
within the traveling and rotational movements depending on the kinds
and types of machine tool so as to simplify the computation. In retro-
spect, this transfer matrix operation was used to estimate the cutter
location in the universal head in the traditional milling machine in the
1960s. In addition, Yokoyama and his colleagues conducted a similar
research into the generation of the machine structure [15].

4.2 Application of Structural Description
Although the functional description guarantees the ease of use, it is diffi-
cult to provide the detail of the structural configuration, apart from that
of Saljé and Redeker, together with the dimensional specifications. To
overcome this disadvantageous feature, the structural description is rec-
ommended rather than the functional description. Actually, we need to
have deep (tacit) knowledge about the machine tool structure and to
manage some tedious work when using the structural description. In con-
trast, the structural description contains more design information than the
functional description: The structural description has higher potential to
establish the methodology for the structural design of machine tools.
To understand such a potential, a simple application will be stated
below in which the structural configuration is classified on the basis of
qualitative structural pattern. In this case, the vertices allocated at the
starts, branches, and terminal are stressed, and as a result, three repre-
sentative structural patterns can be observed in Fig. 4-16. Pattern A, i.e.,
open type, has greater flexibility for producing the structural configuration,

Example of machine tools belonging to
Type Prominent features of structural pattern
each type of structural pattern
Gear shaper, slotter, surface grinder,
internal grinder, face turning machine,
Open type
A table-type horizontal boring and milling
(Line arrangement type) machine (in boring), radial drilling machine
(with square table)

B Closed type Upright drilling machine

Large-size machine tools with double
column type, such as planer, vertical
C Double closed type turning machine, planomiller, bedway
grinder, vertical boring and milling
machine

Figure 4-16 Three representative structural patterns in machine tools.