Hydrostatic Guided Cylindrical Direct Drive for Lathes

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Berend Denkena
• Subject Area: Production Automation and Assembly Technology
• Term: from 2017 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 355578945

In order to reduce production costs, a key aspect in the development of machine tool feed axes is to enhance dynamics. The achievable dynamics of feed axes with ball screws are limited by the mechanical transmission elements. In the case of axes with linear direct drives the moving mass is the limiting factor. One way to resolve this conflict is the use of direct drive multi-coordinate systems. Due to the direct actuation of two axes of movement, a serial axis arrangement is not necessary. This allows to reduce the moving mass which leads to improved dynamics. In the divided fundamental project "Planar Direct Drive for Machine Tools", the IFW has shown the potential of a multi-coordinate drive for machine tools. The partners Franz Kessler GmbH and Gildemeister Drehmaschinen GmbH as well as the IFW are convinced to transfer this technology to a hydrostatic guided, linear-rotary direct drive. The aim is to create a feed drive system that combines the benefits of the hydrostatic guidance with the advantages of the direct drive technology with small moving masses in two degrees of freedom. The aimed feed drive module is an B-Y-axis for turning and milling centers. The main result of the proposed project is the transfer of the developed methods from IFW, and the further research on the characteristics of the multi-coordinate drive technology in terms of precision, dynamics, rigidity and industrial applicability in machine tools.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants (Transfer Project)
• Application Partner: Franz Kessler GmbH; Gildemeister Drehmaschinen GmbH