| The development of CNC machine tools represents a country's level of design and manufacturing. In particular, while the competition of core technology has turned white-hot, appearance design of machine tools has been become an important benchmark in measuring their advance. Applying new materials and new technologies to the appearance design may be a key to winning.Based on investigation for machine tools at home and abroad, it is concluded that major factors restricted in the appearance are materials and processes. Sheet metal has been widely used as protective cover of original machine tools. But the physical properties have restricted largely their appearance. Besides, steel is a nonrenewable resource, resulted in increased costs and restrictions on sustainable development. So seeking for new materials and new processes has become a necessary development trend of machine tool industry.The major characteristics and deficiencies of appearance of modern machine tools are summarized. The feasibility of applying new materials and new technologies to the appearance design is put forward. With the analysis of functions and characteristics of different modules, an innovative combination of processes is proposed to replace original metal sheet parts, which is people-oriented and can supply new experiences of hearing, seeing and touching, etc. By the comparisons of new materials such as FRP, fiber board and engineering plastics, the advantages on appearance and the meaning of economics, aesthetics and society are shown. Based on human engineering, aesthetics and affective design, a best combination of different materials and processes is worked out.As an example of VMC850 vertical machining center, the appearance is improved with an innovative material combination of FRP, fiber board, engineering plastics and transparent ceramics to prove the feasibility of applying new materials and new processes to appearance design of machine tools.
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