Study on the application of cementitious materials for machine tool structures

Abstract

With increasing demand for quality machined workpieces, researchers of machine tools investigated other materials such as mild steel, granite, hydraulic cement concrete and epoxy concrete in search for the best structural material. However, these attempts did not produce positive results. In this study, the feasibility of ferrocement as a new replacement of cast iron for machine tool beds has been investigated. Ferrocement beds have been found to be dynamically more stable than cast iron. Addition of polymer fibers and impregnation of polymer into the cement matrix further upgrade the static and dynamic properties of the ferrocement beds.