In this study, three types of large scale multi-tasking machine tools together with core technologies involved have been developed and introduced; a multi-tasking machine tool for large scale marine engine crankshafts, a multi-tasking vertical lathe for windmill parts, and a large scale 5-axis machine tool of gantry type. Several special purpose devices has been necessarily developed for the purpose of handling and machining big and heavy workpieces accurately, such as PTD (Pin Turning Device) with revolving ring spindle for machining eccentric crankshaft pins, hydrostatic rotary table and steady rest for supporting and resting heavy workpieces, and 2-axis automatic swiveling head for high-quality free surface machining. Core technologies have been also developed and adopted on their detail design stage; 1) structural design optimization with FEM structural analysis, 2) theoretical hydrostatic analysis for the PTD and rotary table bearings, 3) box-in-box type cross-rail and octagonal ram design to secure machine rigidity and accuracy, 4) constant spindle rpm control against gravitational torque due to unbalanced workpiece.
