Thermally induced errors have been approached in multiple ways due to the influence these have over the positional accuracy of a machine tool. Here, approaches regarding environmental thermal fluctuations surrounding a machine tool remain to be explored in detail. These fluctuations have been explored in terms of the heat transfer coefficient and thermal radiation of the machine shop walls, as well as in terms of seasonality and varying thermal gradients. This paper presents additional considerations regarding environmental temperature perturbations, as heat transfer coefficient fluctuations in the machine shop were thought to play a significant role in machine tool thermal deformation a broader term for these phenomena, environmental thermal fluctuations, was defined and evaluated. Specifically, an environmental thermal data survey of a machine shop was explored. This data was then applied to a NC milling machine and a CNC jig borer FEM analyses and compared to experimental data. FEM simulations were then used to demonstrate that convection regimes and heat transfer coefficient values at a machine shop have a significant influence over machining precision. Here, under maximum and minimum heat transfer coefficient values, the NC milling machine and CNC jig borer simulations results showed an error of cut difference up to 36.5 μm and 18.17 μm, respectively. In addition, as the importance of the heat transfer coefficient was highlighted, considerations regarding machine tool surface color were deemed relevant and were described.

Currently, process optimization is an important part of design of CNC toolpath, allowing overall process improvement in accordance to a range of criteria. Available CAE software for CNC toolpath optimization works only by changing the feed rate value specified in the base toolpath. The authors are planning to devise a solution allowing for optimization of other process parameters, including depth of cut. In some cases, it would be important for surface roughness to remain unaltered after optimization by means of increasing depth of cut. In this work, the effect of depth of cut on surface roughness was investigated. Depth of cut was altered for the roughing pass, while technological parameters for the finish pass remained constant. Roughness measurements were performed on-machine after rough turning and finish turning. The authors have found that depth of cut has a noticeable effect on investigated roughness parameters, both in the case of rough turning and subsequent finish turning operations.

This paper describes a simulation model of the process of developing steel rollers’ surface layer roughness obtained with Cubitron™ II grinding wheels by the Quickpoint technique, depending on the assumed grinding conditions. In particular, the authors present physical assumptions of the respective model, a conception and algorithm of its operation, and the results of simulation tests. The results were later verified in specific experiments by comparing the statistical average values of the selected ground steel rollers’ surface roughness parameters with the values generated by simulations