Machine tool vibration is well known for reducing machining accuracy. Because vibration response of a linear structure generally depends on its transfer function if the magnitude of excitation were kept constant, this study introduces a RET(Random Excitation Test) based on FRF method to evaluate stiffness of a prototype HDMTL(Heavy-Duty Multi-Tasking Lathe) for large crankshaft of marine engine. Firstly, two force loops of the lathe and corresponding structural loops were identified:1) workpiece - spindle - head stock - main bed, 2) workpiece - tool post - carriage bed. Secondly, compliances of each structural loop were measured respectively using RET with a hydraulic exciter and then converted into stiffness. Finally, the measured stiffness was compared with that obtained previously by FEM analysis. As the result, both measured and computed stiffness were closely in agreement with each other. And the prototype HDMTL has evidently sufficient rigidity above ordinary heavy-duty lathes.
