Process stabilization with an adaptronic spindle system

For economical reasons it is necessary to reduce the machining time and to increase the process automation. This leads to the need for fast machine tools with high process stability in order to enhance the material removal rate. However, the machine often does not limit the process stability but the tool because of its compliance. This paper presents a new possibility of expanding the stable process range of long and slender end mills with an adaptronic spindle system. The system is able to position the spindle dynamically in the range of microns with three piezo actuators. In order to disturb the regenerative effect, which leads to an instable process, the  chip thickness is modulated by a dynamic spindle actuation. This is realized by a superposition of vibrations of the tool in feed direction. In milling tests the degree of stabilization is verified for different superpositions. Hence, the stable process range could be improved for spindle speeds up to 5,000 rpm.