Machine tools thermostabilization using passive control strategies

The aim of this study is to investigate passive control strategies using Phase Change Materials in Machine Tools (MTs) thermostabilization. By considering the main issues related to the thermal stability, authors presented the application of novel multifunctional materials to Machine Tools structures. A set of advanced materials are considered: aluminium foams, corrugate-core sandwich panels and polymeric concrete beds. The adopted solutions have been infiltrated by phase change materials (PCMs) in order to maintain the thermal stability of MTs when the environmental temperature is perturbed. The paper shows the results of simulative and experimental tests.