Composites in Production Machines

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of the design and application of composite materials in machine tools. Some exemplary machine elements, tool structures and components are introduced and the technical potentials, requirements and challenges are discussed. The presented prototypes and industrial products show that besides the lightweight construction aspect furthermore the specific mass related stiffness characteristics and the advantageous damping properties as well as the thermal behavior of composite structures provide outstanding chances regarding the improvement of the machine performance and accuracy. New degrees of freedom in machine component design and layout can be exploited especially if material combinations are implemented.