Numerical Studies on VMC Base Made of Epoxy Granite

Advanced machine tools play an important role in the modern manufacturing system. To achieve a higher quality of workpieces, higher damping and dynamic stability of machine tools are necessary. Machine tool structures are conventionally made from cast iron because of good compressive strength, rigidity and damping properties but the dynamic stability is limited by higher inertia and less vibration damping at higher operating conditions. Hence, there is a need for developing an alternate material which will meet the desired functions. Polymer composites have been shown to possess good strength and better damping properties than cast iron. In this work, an attempt is made to investigate the behavior of polymer composite base made of epoxy granite as an alternate for CI base through numerical simulation. The static rigidity of the EG base is enhanced by reinforcing with steel reinforcement in the form of stirrup arrangements. The steel-reinforced hybrid EG base with better static and dynamic behavior is proposed as an alternate to the existing base.