1。3The Key Characteristics of RMT 7

Reconfigurable Machine Tool Design Methodology 10

2。1Reconfigurable Machine Tool Design 10

2。2RMT Design Principles 12

2。2。1Five RMT Design Principles 13

2。2。2The Relationship of Principles and Characteristics 16

Discussion of Dual Spindle Reconfigurable Machine Tools Design 17

3。1The Customer Requirement Description 17

3。2Analysis of RMT Design Principles in Dual Spindle RMT 17

3。2。1Separation 18

3。2。2Unification 22

3。2。3Connection 23

3。2。4Adaptation 26

3。2。5Reusability 28

3。3Concept of the RMT Design 28

3。3。1Advantages of the RMT 29

3。3。2Reconfiguration Operation in Designed RMT 30

3。4Components Analysis in the Dual Spindle RMT 31

3。4。1Separation 31

3。4。2Unification 31

3。4。3Connection 32

3。4。4Adaptation 32

3。4。5Reusability 32

3。5How to use the Reconfiguration for Another Product Family 32

3。5。1Machine Table (Convertibility) 33

3。5。2Machine Spindle (Scalability) 33

3。5。3Cutter (Reconfigurability) 33

Dual Spindle Reconfigurable Machine Tools Generation by3D CAD Software 35

4。1Interfaces 35

4。2Dual Spindle Reconfigurable Machine Tool design by 3D CAD software 36

4。3The Generation of Dual Spindle RMT by 3D CAD software 36

Evaluation of Dual Spindle Reconfigurable Machine Tools 41

5。1Degree of freedom (DOF) 41

5。2Stiffness Testing 41

5。3Number of the Modules 42

Conclusion 43

Future Work 44

References 45

Appendix 47

Abbreviations

CNC Computer Numerically Controlled CMM Coordinate Measuring Machine DML Dedicated Manufacturing Line DOF Degree of Freedom

ERC Engineering Research Center FMS Flexible Manufacturing System FOF Flow of Force

FTL Flexible Transfer Line

MRM Modular Reconfigurable Machine RIM Reconfigurable Inspection Machine RMT