Lightweight Design of a Multi-axis Drilling Box Based on Topology Optimization

Abstract

Background and Objective: Under the backdrop of the manufacturing industry achieving leapfrog improvements through technological innovation, the modular drilling multi-spindle head, with its advantages of modularization and customizability, has emerged as one of the critical equipment in mechanical processing. However, current drilling multi-spindle heads still face challenges such as excessive weight and high production costs. To address these issues, ‌it was decided to conduct a lightweight design of the modular machine tool's drilling multi-spindle head. Method: Through analyzing the machining process of the horizontal dual-station modular machine tool's drilling multi-spindle head, a three-dimensional structural model of the multi-spindle head was developed. Subsequently, static structural analysis and topology optimization were conducted on the spindle head using ANSYS software. Findings: Through topology optimization analysis, The optimized design achieved a mass reduction of 23 kg (4.583%), and the maximum deformation was reduced by 0.1875×10⁻³ mm (5.809%). Although the maximum stress increased, it remained within the allowable limit. Conclusions: The optimized design proves more advantageous for modular machine tool processing, which validates the effectiveness of the optimization method and provides a valuable direction for future green manufacturing processes.