Rethinking production of machine tool bases: Polymer additive manufacturing and concrete

Cast iron and steel weldments are the most common machine tool base elements. However, both construction methods have associated disadvantages for domestic machine tool manufacturers. This paper documents the investigation of an alternative method for machine tool base production using concrete to fill an additively manufactured polymer mold, where the motion components are attached to the concrete base after the initial concrete curing. Modal testing results for a three-axis, vertical spindle prototype indicate high damping and stiffness can be achieved using the concrete base construction. Advantages are reduced cost and lead time compared to traditional methods. (C) 2021 Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This paper investigates an alternative method for machine tool base production using a concrete-filled additively manufactured polymer mold. The motion components are attached to the concrete base after curing. Modal testing results demonstrate that high damping and stiffness can be achieved with the concrete base construction, offering cost and lead time reduction compared to traditional methods.