Page 33 - Modular design for machine tools

Basic Knowledge: What Is the Modular Design? 7

(flexible transfer line), to a five-face processing machine. In this case, the
leading modules are the column, base, rotary table, tool magazine, main
motor, and so on. This machine appears to be a typical predecessor of
current five-face processing machines.
In the late 1990s, we can observe another eminent example of the appli-
cation of modular design to the turning machine of the hanging spindle
type (Index-Werke brand, commercial name: Verticalline). As shown in
Fig. 1-5, the major modules of the machine are those for several structural
body components, hanging spindle, turret head with either rotating tools
or stationary tools, tool post fixed on the platter, and work pool stand. The
platter can furthermore accommodate the motor-driven cutting tool and
gang head on itself, resulting in greater flexibility in machining when
varying the combination with the turret head. In addition, the machine
can be characterized by some functions for laser welding, hardening,
grinding, and assembly operation. The machine can be thus called the pro-
cessing complex and appears to be a successor of the prototype named the
“Complex Processing Cell of T-form.” This prototype has been developed
so far by the Japanese Big National Project entitled “Complex Production
Systems Using High Efficiency Laser Processing” [3].
Within a system context, a typical modular design can be observed in
the FTL of Diedesheim brand, as shown in Fig. 1-6 [4], and its core

Hanging
spindle
Structural body
components
Stationary stand for
tool platter

Turret head

Gang head Tool pool
on platter stands
Figure 1-5 An application of modular design to the turning machine (type Vertical Line,
1999, courtesy of Index).