MACHINE TOOLS AND METHODS OF OPERATION THEREOF

摘要

The machine tool for machining a workpiece includes a machine base, a workpiece holder supported by the machine base for holding the workpiece, the holder being rotatable about an axis. A workpiece rotary drive, Mw, Ew is for rotating the holder about the axis. A tool mount is supported by the machine base for carrying a tool to be engaged with a workpiece held in the holder. A drive arrangement is operable to move one of the workpiece holder and the tool mount relative to the other in a plane which is transverse with respect to the axis. A control arrangement is configured to control the workpiece rotary drive and the drive arrangement so as to machine a surface profile on the workpiece which is non-equidistant from the axis in a plane which is transverse with respect to the axis, such that a tool mounted in the mount is engaged with the workpiece to commence the machining operation whilst the work piece is being rotated by the workpiece drive. A method of machining a workpiece is also provided.