Development and design of micro machine tool components via numerical simulation

This paper deals with machine tool components for use in a small machine tool for micro machining. The goal is an automated manufacturing process and to reduce manual handling by the operator as far as possible. This includes a miniaturized clamping device for fixing a test workpiece via freezing of water. Using the Finite Element Method, the thermal deformation of the test workpiece made of 100Cr6 could be analyzed as well as the static stiffness and dynamic behavior of the clamping device. Additionally, an automated workpiece supply using electromagnets and a pneumatic cylinder is presented. For extraction of chips, an adapted extraction hood was developed. The paper presents first results of performed Computational Fluid Dynamic simulations regarding velocity and streamlines of particles. Furthermore, a demonstrator of the micro machine tool shows the current installation space, enabled with the developed machine tool components. Here, the machine tool frame is made of CFRP due to its thermal stability.