Purchasing the correct machine tool can have strategic
implications for manufacturers, because incorrect selection will eventually
lead to quality and productivity losses. Prior research has concentrated on
developing an analytical decision support system to select and compare machine
tools based on machine functionality – not capability. Machine tool selection
decision analyses concentrate on machine specifications and characteristics, which
disregard the actual machine accuracy and dynamic performance. In this paper, the
need to include machine accuracy and performance in terms of cycle time, tool
wear, and surface finish is described with a case study of manufacturing a
typical aerospace component using three different production methodologies on three
computer numeric controller (CNC) milling machines. Even though the three
selected machine tools have similar technical specifications, which are adequate
to manufacture the sample aerospace part, the machine accuracy and dynamic
machining performance of the machines is significantly different. We conclude that
it is necessary to include machine tool performance and production readiness
attributes and not solely rely on the specifications when considering machine
tool selection and purchasing.
Reference: Deshpande A., An Empirical Study to Evaluate Machine Tool Production Readiness and Performance, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology. DOI: 10.1007/s00170-012-4086-3.