Innovative building block system for the need-based reconfiguration of the dynamic machine tool behavior

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Eckart Uhlmann
• Subject Area: Metal-Cutting and Abrasive Manufacturing Engineering
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 578062123

Modular machine tool frames offer the potential to flexibilize the production due to a need-based reconfiguration. Within the Collaborative Research Centre 1026 the INSTITUTE FOR MACHINE TOOLS AND FACTORY MANAGEMENT developed a building block system to realize modular machine tools. Based on the building block system a 3-axes portal milling machine tool was taken into operation. Accompanied by the modularization of the machine tool frame is an increasing number of interfaces. These interfaces have a negative impact on the dynamic machine tool behavior, which in turn results in a low process stability. Previous research was focussed on the development of methods and components to realize a reconfiguration of the working space. The advantages and disadvantages of a modular machine tool frame were discussed intensively from an economic and sustainable point of view. The analysis and manipulation of the dynamic machine tool behavior remains unconsidered. Within the proposed research, the reconfiguration of the working space is extended to a need-based reconfiguration of the dynamic machine tool behavior. The focus will be on the manipulation of the dynamic machine tool behavior through an adaption of the contact parameters. An optimized interface is developed with the goal of a high controllability of the contact parameters. The modularity of machine tool frames offers the possibility of a modular model library for a time-saving designing and optimization process of different frame configurations. A contact algorithm as well as model order reduction schemes must be chosen, applied and optimized. The model-based system description enables an identification of weak points and therefore offers a criterion for the authority of the interfaces. At the identified weak points, the control of the contact parameters as well as local stiffening concepts are tested. It is planned to transfer the developed methods and components to a new machine tool frame configuration. With the proposed research purpose, a significant impact is given on the optimization of the dynamic behavior of modular machine tool frames. The gained knowledge is further applicable to integral machine tool frames with mounted components within the flux of forces.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants