Model validation of a machining centre for high speed milling

The design activity for machine tools was developed generally on a static approach basis both for the cutting process mechanics and for the stress and strain evaluation, by which it was possible to define the machine structure. Since the introduction of High Speed Machining (HSM) the design has been highly conditioned by the dynamic behaviour of the machine: the forces of inertia became the primary factors in the design phase and a more accurate design was necessary. To get the necessary information and data to optimise the project a useful tool for designers can be the modelling and simulation of a virtual machine. A twin paper, presented at this Seminar, reports on the machine simulation of a Machining Centre manufactured by the Italian company BRETON spa. It is already known that simulation results can be used correctly when the electric, electronic and mechanical parameters used in the machine model correspond to those used in reality. Sometimes these kind of data are not available; this paper presents some procedures needed to determine and validate them experimentally.