Influence of Machine Tool Covers on Feed Drives

Machine tool covers are important parts of the machine. From the point of view of feed drives, a cover is an additional multi-body system that influences the dynamic properties of the feed drive and the positioning accuracy of the machine. The advantages of covers connected to the machine table with flexible elements are shown on simulation and experimental results. A mathematical model of the cover and its connection to the machine table is described. Optimization of the stiffness and damping ratio for the connection, using a model of the cover, is suggested. The optimal connection parameters cause decreasing of maximum reaction force acting from the cover to the feed drive. This phenomenon is presented on simulation example and also on the experiment results.