Development of High Performance Machine Tools

This paper presents a general characteristic of modern cutting machine tools and their role in achieving high machining performance. The determinants of machine tool development, stemming from the constant development of products and their complexity and from market demands, are discussed in detail. Special attention is devoted to the improvement of the machine tool structure and its variations created in response to the continuous and flexible increase in machining efficiency. The importance of developing multitask, hybrid and reconfigurable structures is discussed. The essence of the development of multi-spindle units as the modules having a decisive influence on machining performance, precision and costs is described. Moreover, trends in the development of feed units and distance measuring systems are presented.