Thermal deformations analysis of large-scale vertical Lathe

This article presents an analysis of thermal deformations in a large-scale vertical Lathe, examining the sources of heat and their impact on the machine’s thermal deformations. The analysis was conducted using both experimental measurements and numerical simulations based on the finite element method. The study highlights the critical role of geometric accuracy, stiffness, and thermal distortions in machine tool design, affecting machining errors. Several machine tool manufacturers implement systems that minimize the impact of thermal distortions using numerical control. However, custom production lacks extensive possibilities, posing challenges in achieving requirements for predictable thermal distortions. This article analyzes the thermal distortions of a custom-produced machine tool and examines their values and consistency with the machine tool’s working components’ movement. The study emphasizes the predictability and directionality of thermal distortions in large-sized machine tools to maintain geometric accuracy and stiffness. Additionally, the study identifies non-technical aspects related to the division of the worktable into component parts, disrupting the axial symmetry of the construction and causing potential deformations of the workpiece due to thermal deformations.