Microcomputer optimisation of machine tool spindle stiffnesses

Abstract The work involved in optimising the stiffness of a spindle is complicated and time consuming and is impractical without the aid of a computer. An interactive computer program for optimising and designing spindles to various specifications is described. In the interests of small companies and personal convenience, the program runs on IBM compatible PC computers. Data on the design of the spindle, the configuration of the spindle, the type of loading, the support system, the diameters which are to be selected by the program and the constraints on the design are supplied interactively to the computer. The program then searches for an optimum design. The program, SODA, has been applied to the optimisation of an existing grinding machine spindle and the results are reported.