Development and analysis of principles for kinematically coupled force-compensation for machine tools

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Steffen Ihlenfeldt
• Subject Area: Production Systems, Operations Management, Quality Management and Factory Planning ; Engineering Design, Machine Elements, Product Development
• Term: from 2014 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 252272337

In order to improve the economic efficiency in machining, productivity has to be increased while machining quality is at least maintained and total cost of ownership stays moderate. Due to this, relative movements between work piece and tool for the purpose of machining or handling must be conducted with high dynamics. But the increase of dynamics of machine tools and handling equipment reaches its limits. State of the art drive and control systems provide higher velocities, accelerations and jerk, but machine structures can withstand these only with oscillations. The limitation of dynamics reduces the excitation of oscillations of the machine structure but also reduces productivity. Various principles were developed to reduce the effect of dynamic reaction forces on machine structures. In this research project the principles of redundant axes and force compensation are combined to a novel principle - the kinematically coupled force compensation. This principle demands a specialized design of machine structures and offers the potential for highly dynamic, precise and energy-efficient movements.In the second phase of the project, machine structures are developed which enable the drive reaction forces to be optimally canceled regardless of the machine chassis that determines the accuracy of the machine. In addition, the transition to a planar motion system takes place, whereby the application background of the developed method can be significantly expanded. Additionally the range of ultra-high-dynamic motions is opened up.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants