Robust design of microfactory elements with high stiffness and high damping characteristics using foam-composite sandwich structures

In order to enhance structural robustness of microfactory machine elements the foam-composite sandwich structure was introduced. Unidirectional carbon/epoxy prepreg as skin materials and PVC foams as core materials were used to construct the sandwich structures. The existing aluminum column and the column block were replaced by foam-composite sandwich structures with appropriate rib geometries and configurations. The stacking sequences and rib configurations were determined by finite element analyses. The damping capacity was also investigated by vibration tests preparing beam type composite and foam-composite sandwich specimens with various stacking sequences and thickness ratios. The prototype of the column and the column block were fabricated using proper moulds and processes and finally, the system performances such as dynamic robustness and damping capacity were verified by comparison with the existing aluminum system.