Design, Analysis and Optimization of Column and Headstock of Movable Column Vertical Machining Center

Abstract

This thesis deals with the design and development of movable column Vertical Machining Centre. In the current scenario, most of the Vertical Machining Centres have stationary column. It is a need of industries to develop VMC machine with movable column. The present work proposes conceptual design of headstock and column of VMC machines with movable column as the conventional VMC machines with fix column has certain issues like maintenance problem, work proficiency, smaller working span, bulky construction etc. The objective of this project is to create best possible design of movable column and headstock of the VMC machine such that higher stiffness can be achieved. It is done by carry out structural analysis and by applying various optimization techniques like shape, size and mass optimization. A model of headstock of the movable column VMC presented. The headstock and column is designed using in-house developed Finite Element System. The stiffness values, deformation values, stress values, frequency response at the any point of the body can be determined. The shape and size is optimized without negotiating the allowable stiffness values of the structure. Mass is optimized in significant amount keeping deformation in permissible values.