Thermal deformations of machine tools and works due to external heat sources, especially ambient temperature change and air flow, are studied in this paper. The analyses are conducted with the finite element simulations and measurements of those of existing machines and works. From this study the following conclusions are obtained.
(1) The decrease of machining accuracy due to ambient temperature change is caused by pure longitudinal expansion of machine and work, and the bending of machine column. Generally, the effect of bending is larger than that of longitudinal expansion, if works are not too large.
(2) To prevent the bending of the column, the consideration of the thermal symmetry of the column alone is not enough, but thermal symmetry of whole structure including knee, bed, head, etc. must be included.
(3) Rapid change in air flow causes large thermal deformations. But on the other hand, a stagnant atmosphere produces large local temperature difference up to an order of several degrees centigrade. To optimize the situation, a steady and uniform air flow is essential.
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