Theory of Small Machine Tools: A Framework Approach to Machine Development

Abstract

Enabled by their size, small machine tools manufacturing small workpieces allow for a leap of improvements and therefore overcome current limitations in micro manufacturing. Nevertheless, to achieve those benefits the classically engineering mindset and machine tool design have to be overcome. Those ideas, the reasoning behind them and the corresponding conditions are laid down in the so called theory of small machine tools. The generic theory includes a framework approach to help in the process of machine development resulting in a new kind of miniaturized and function integrated machine tools. This conceptual contribution describes the idea, aspects, objectives and methodology pursued by the theory of small machine tools.

OpenLabs - Collaborative Industrialization with Distributed and Open Source Microfactories

“…Furthermore, a theory of small machine tools sets the basis for a modular and small size machine development approach [28]. The technological advancement of small machine tools [29], a corresponding modularity concept [30] as well as suitable interfaces [31] support and facilitate the idea of open source hardware.…”