Abstract
The author has been studying about a new design evaluation method of machine tools utilizing robust design and form–shaping theory. In the series of study, it was proved that the design evaluation method could show the effects of machine tool structure, dimensions and error sources on the machine performance. In this report, the method was modified to handle not only component errors, but also structural deformation of machine tools. Using the modified method, a procedure to support conceptual design of machine tools by optimizing the dimensional proportion is shown. Finally, the paper concludes that the proposed design evaluation method is effective to suggest design strategies including proper shape of machine.
