A novel integrated process–machine approach for designing customized milling machines

This paper provides a novel integrated approach for designing customized milling machines. Static stiffness matching design of milling machine is carried out according to the static stiffness requirement at TCP. Rapid evaluation approach of milling stability of milling machine with position-dependent has been developed. The theoretical model which can describe the relationships between and among milling stability, dynamic stiffness, and natural frequency has been established. Dynamic characteristics’ simulation of milling machine has been carried out based on CAD/CAE co-simulation analysis platform. The structural component mass can be changed by changing the critical dimension, and then, the rule of structural component mass influence on the natural frequency of the milling machine can be obtained by optimal Latin hypercube experimental design method. The lightweight design of milling machine has been achieved according to the rule. The approach improves the rapidity, parameterization, and digitization of customized milling machine design.