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Successful producers of machine tools today must offer customers highly efficient and accurate machines. This can only be achieved with the help of modern software in research, construction, production and quality control. Trends in development are oriented towards modular construction machines. The application of modern tools and the progressive construction of headstock has increased cutting speeds, thus significantly increasing the machine's productivity. The first section of the book is focused on trends in the development of machines. A second very significant machine parameter is accuracy. The rigidity of the machine is a necessary condition for achieving its required accuracy. The second part of the book is dedicated to the effect of the individual constructional nodes on stability, the optimization of system rigidity, and the measuring of the accuracy of the machining tools. The aim of the third and final section of the book is to point out the widest possibilities for the application of machine tools in industry. An example is presented of the application of machining tools in the orthoses manufacture.

Machine tools are the main production factor for many industrial applications in many important sectors. Recent developments in new motion devices and numerical control have lead to considerable technological improvements in machine tools. The use of five-axis machining centers has also spread, resulting in reductions in set-up and lead times. As a consequence, feed rates, cutting speed and chip section increased, whilst accuracy and precision have improved as well. Additionally, new cutting tools have been developed, combining tough substrates, optimal geometries and wear resistant coatings. “Machine Tools for High Performance Machining” describes in depth several aspects of machine structures, machine elements and control, and application. The basics, models and functions of each aspect are explained by experts from both academia and industry. Postgraduates, researchers and end users will all find this book an essential reference.

Parallel Kinematic Machines (PKMs) are one of the most radical innovations in production equipment. They attempt to combine the dexterity of robots with the accuracy of machine tools to respond to several industrial needs. This book contains the proceedings of the first European-American Forum on Parallel Kinematic Machines, held in Milan, Italy from 31 August - 1 September 1998. The Forum was established to provide institutions, technology suppliers and industrial end users with an improved understanding of the real advantages to be gained from using PKMs. This book contributes to a mid-term strategy oriented to reduce time to market and costs, improve production flexibility and minimize environmental impacts to increase worldwide competitiveness. In particular the authors focus on enabling technologies and emerging concepts for future manufacturing applications of PKMs. Topics include: Current status of PKM R&D in Europe, the USA and Asia. Industrial requirements, roadblocks and application opportunities. Research issues and possibilities. Industrial applications and requirements.