Measurement and identification of translational static stiffness in workspace of a machine tool

Abstract

This work presents a measurement for the identification of translational quasi-static stiffness of machine tool using Stiffness Workspace System (SWS). The novelty of this work is a significant modification of the SWS. The changes in measurement procedure and data analysis as well as new technical solutions are described in detail. A methodology for generalised translational static stiffness determination is presented. The major purpose of this paper is to provide the information about quasi-static stiffness values that characterise a typical machine tool. The measurement procedure is implemented in a case study on a 5-axis machining centre. Measurement results were used to determine the generalised translational stiffness indicators of points in the workspace. Then, the static stiffness distribution on the XY plane over machining space was estimated. The obtained results confirm the importance of analyses of static stiffness distribution as they point out areas where some possible changes occur. In the conclusion of the paper the utility value of the information of translational static stiffness is emphasised.