A Critical Evaluation of Current Machine Tool Designs in the Digitalized Global Production Networks

摘要

Machine Tools are mother machines. They are necessary for the creation of any product. There is a correlation between machine tool capabilities and industrial achievements. The history shows that new innovative designs of machine tools led to remarkable technical as well as monetary results. Digitalization is changing our daily life in all aspects. A new "On demand economy" is coming up. No more an economy based on fixed plans is essential but an economy which is reactive to changes in daily life on time. Consequently also new production systems and machines are necessary for making it possible to adapt to new demands. This new era requires as well changes in machine tool design for taking benefit of the possibilities forwarded by digitalization. A paradigm change is necessary. In this paper a systematic review of machine tool developments will be given and requirements on up to date machine tools will be worked out. Finally, some examples for potential future design ideas will be presented.