Machine Tool Builder and Simulation

Machine Tool Simulation in an important step in the creation of a complete manufacturing process and work flow. This step is enabled by an accurate model of the machine tool. This document will lead the reader through several exercises using the CATIA V5 Machine Tool Builder workbench, enabling the creation and simulation of a 3 and 4-axis machine tools. The reader will get an introduction to the common principles and methodologies used in industry today for building machine tools. The final CATProcess file, that is the resultant data from all the exercise steps, will be a take away for the reader.

Introduction

The objective of this hands-on exercise is to familiarize the user with the basic concepts and techniques of building and using machine tools for simulation. This paper will identify the required functions and process to model both the physical and logical parameters of a machine tool. A working knowledge of the Assembly Design and Part Design workbenches is required for the successful execution of the imbedded exercises.
This paper is structured in the format of a hands-on walk-through of the functions presented complete with the necessary models that support your use of the exercises. These models are available in the attached data files. This comprehensive approach should provide the reader the opportunity to build skills in modeling machine tools that are a fundamental component of effective machine tool simulation.