Investigation of a 2-D planar motor based machine tool motion system

A new 2-D planar motion system for precision machining operations is invest igated. Characteristics of the 2-D planar motor system are studied to gain better understanding of its capabilities, limitations and interactions with machining processes. The planar motor system is applied to an end milling process, where experimental data on cutting force and surface finish are in agreement with simulation results. Of further interest is that the motor's fast response and ability to perform simultaneous motion in two directions potentially provides a simpler means to compensate for errors such as runo uts. Issues associated with such compensation motions to improve surface fi nish are discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.