Reconfigurable machining system (RMS) for machining of case and similar parts in machine building

Abstract

The most cost-effective solution for the production of numerous uniform product series under specific economic considerations is the product-specific series machine. However, the aspect of flexibility of the machine tool becomes more and more important as the variety of alternatives increases and product life cycles decrease [7]. As a result, development trends move from product specific machine tools towards stand-alone machines overlapping the product life cycle. Reconfigurable Multi Technology Machine (RMM) fulfills these requirements. The RMM is characterized by a very high degree of modularity and flexibility. Its universality is accomplished through a consistent design of the machine according to the modular concept, rather than covering all necessary options. This means that the technology modules are either added on or left out of the reconfigurable machine tool with the help of largely standardized interfaces. © 2006 Springer.