Integrated design and analysis system for feed drive system of CNC machine tools

Feed drive system is used to position the machine tool components carrying the cutting tool and workpiece to the desired location; its positioning accuracy and speed determine the quality and productivity of machine tools. The study presented in this paper focuses on the development of a software tool-an Integrated Design and Analysis System (IDAS) for the feed drive system of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools. Firstly, the framework of this software tool is proposed, which comprises three layers, namely, the user layer, the functional layer and the database layer. Then main modules are elaborated, which are feed drive system design and characteristics analysis of the feed drive system. Each module is used to impart recommendations to the user for the feed drive system design and analysis. Finally, the prototype system is given. Results of this study show that this IDAS can facilitate the feed drive system design and development. It decreases the operational difficulties of analysing the performance of the feed drive system and ultimately improves the design quality of the feed drive system.