This research addresses the following critical issues related to high-productivity tooling for automated machine tools: (1) development of a data base on existing NC tooling systems and performance of an analytical survey; (2) comparative analysis of commercially-available tooling systems; (3) conceptual development of advanced tooling systems with enhanced structural and joint stiffness and damping; (4) conceptual development of improved tooling (and other machine tool-related) structures using anisotropic elastomeric composites; and (5) conceptual development of automatic continuous balancing of high-rpm tooling. The research effort is expected to result both in solution of important specific problems and contribute to the establishment of a tooling/machine tool research center to facilitate technology transfer to industry.
