Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for the identification of anomalies and degradation paths in a machine tool is disclosed. The monitoring apparatus includes a control system interfaceable with a machine tool and configured for making the machine tool execute a predetermined cycle of operations; a recording system interfaceable with a plurality of sensors in the machine tool, wherein the recording system is configured for collecting operation data of machine tool during the predetermined cycle of operations; and an analysis system configured for receiving the operation data and for executing a statistical and data mining analysis on the operation data, comparing a pattern of the operation data with a predetermined pattern, for identifying any anomalies and degradation paths.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing device is intended to be mounted on a spindle headstock of a machine tool. The spindle headstock includes a motor driven spindle unit connected to an upright by a support. The shock-absorbing device comprises a yieldable structure connected on one side to the spindle unit and on the other side to the support, and is adapted to yield upon an accidental collision of the spindle headstock against a workpiece. A collision sensor or is associated with the yieldable structure for detecting the yielding thereof resulting from an accidental collision of the spindle headstock with a workpiece, and for transmitting in response thereto a signal to a machine tool control unit.