Machine Tool with Active Magnetic Guides

High speed and high dynamic machining strategies require specific solutions for the components. The limits for speed and accuracy mainly depend on the machine structure, the drives and the guides. In this paper the development of a new high speed machining centre with actively controlled linear magnetic guides will be presented. The stiffness and damping properties of this innovative component will be discussed. The machining centre is equipped with linear direct drives in all three axes and uses lightweight slides on a solid concrete base. The machine structure and first results will be presented and compared to conventional machine tools.