Structure Topology Optimization of the Spindle Box of a Machining Center

Abstract

To meet the need of high precision and speed, the movable parts of a high speed machining center should be as light as possible with high stiffness, which can be realized effectively via structure topology optimization. In this paper, structure topology optimization of the spindle box of a type of machining center was carried out based on the software of OptiStruct of HyperWorks. In the course of design, a stiffness criterion was put forward to deal with the uncertainty of cutting load on a machining center. And based on the criterion, the load boundary condition of the spindle box model was defined. And a clear structure was finaly obtained in the postprocessor of OptiStruct.