Experimental vibration analysis of a rotary transfer machine for the manufacture of lock components

This study deals with vibrations in machine tools featuring rotary transfer architecture. The machine tool manufacturer aims at two long-term achievements, namely developing a reliable virtual testing tool to aid the design process of new products, and implementing a real-time system for condition monitoring and diagnostics of the cutting tool and the machining units to be equipped on-board. A seven-station rotary transfer machine with multi-spindle CNC machining units is investigated as a starting point of the research. An experimental campaign is carried out to assess the machinery vibration response. Several different experiments are conducted to estimate the modal parameters of the machine as well as to identify the elastodynamic effects induced by the nominal working cycle and by each machining operation. The result analysis permitted to identify potentially critical issues and to define the corresponding strategies to overcome them. In particular, limited modifications of the machining parameters and a partial redesign of just one machine component are suggested.