On the Measurement of Spindle Stiffness of Machine Tools

Abstract

Conventionally, the stiffness of a machine tool is in most cases measured by static load tests. In this research, we install displacement sensors near a front bearing for a spindle in order to measure the stiffness of a spindle during cutting processes. By measuring the radial displacement of the spindle caused by cutting force by using those sensors, and comparing with the cutting force measured by using a dynamometer, the dynamic stiffness of a spindle can be estimated.