5-Axis Machine Tool Layout to Eliminate Axis Cross Talk

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools face issues with cross talk between axes, large footprint, and inefficient energy consumption during machining of complex parts with curved surfaces, particularly in aerospace and power generation applications, affecting machining quality and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool design with a spindle vertically oriented and fewer linear axes on the workpiece side, featuring parallel alignment of linear and swivel axes to eliminate cross talk, optimized for 5-axis simultaneous machining with a compact footprint and improved energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the swivel axis and linear axis are arranged non-parallel, then the machine can perform five-axis machining, but cross talk is generated during acceleration affecting machining quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefive-axis machining capabilityVSAvoidmachining quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by deliberately arranging the swivel axis parallel to the linear axis rather than using conventional perpendicular arrangements. This asymmetric configuration eliminates cross talk between axes during acceleration while maintaining five-axis machining capability, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Area of stationary object

If the vertical axis is arranged on the side of the workpiece, then the machine structure is compact, but cross talk occurs between the vertical linear axis and swiveling table under heavy workpiece load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine footprintVSAvoidmachining quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the vertical linear axis on the spindle side rather than the workpiece side. This inversion eliminates cross talk between the vertical axis and swiveling table under heavy loads, while the machine maintains a compact footprint through optimized spatial configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple linear axes are arranged on the workpiece side, then the machine can handle complex workpieces, but energy consumption increases due to moving heavy workpiece mass

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece handling capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the linear axes between the workpiece side and spindle side, with only one linear axis (X-axis) arranged on the workpiece side. This segmentation reduces the mass that needs to be accelerated during machining operations, significantly lowering energy consumption while maintaining the capability to handle complex workpieces through five-axis simultaneous machining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4711075A1A machine tool for machining a workpiece
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 UNITED MACHINING MILL AG
  • EP4711075A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4711075A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4711075A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is related to a machine tool for machining a workpiece. The machine tool comprises a machine bed, a machine table mounted on the machine bed for mounting the workpiece thereon and a machine column mounted on the machine bed for mounting a spindle thereon, wherein the machine table is configured to be translationally moved horizontally in direction of a first linear axis (X) and to be swiveled about a first swivel axis (A) which is in parallel to the first linear axis, wherein the machine table is configured to rotate about a first rotation axis (B) perpendicular to the first swivel axis, wherein the spindle is configured to be translationally moved horizontally in direction of a second linear axis (Z) and vertically in direction of a third linear axis (Y) and rotated around a second rotation axis (C) in parallel to the second linear axis.