4. Building

4.1 Definition. Introduction

As we saw in the functional description of a machine tool ( § 3.1), the essential function of a machine bed is to maintain the machine's main active components in a constant relative position. The tool-holder carriage is thus positioned in relation to the spindle and tailstock; the column, which is part of the frame, must rigidly position the slides, which must themselves guide a carriage. The carriage, which is also part of the structure, must have the same rigidity and precision characteristics that enable the machine to be precise and accurate.

Like the spindle (studied at ...