Abstract: A method and machine for machining shafts, such as crankshafts of an internal combustion engine wherein the shaft supported on a workpiece carrier rotatably about its axis and the carrier is movable relative to a milling tool adjustably supported on the machine, the bearing surfaces of the shaft are fine-machined by a milling tool taking into consideration the resiliency and the bending of the shaft by the engagement force of the milling tool during fine cutting of the bearing surfaces in the various angular rations of the shaft and the axial bearing location between the shaft ends so as to provide for a perfect final round cutting of the bearings without the need for wet grinding. The fine machining is preferably achieved by dry machining and orthogonal rotational milling, all main bearings and lifting bearings being machined in a single clamping from the rough machining dimensions to the final dimension.

Abstract: A method and machine for machining shafts, such as crankshafts of an internal combustion engine wherein the shaft supported on a workpiece carrier rotatably about its axis and the carrier is movable relative to a milling tool adjustably supported on the machine, the bearing surfaces of the shaft are fine-machined by a milling tool taking into consideration the resiliency and the bending of the shaft by the engagement force of the milling tool during fine cutting of the bearing surfaces in the various angular rations of the shaft and the axial bearing location between the shaft ends so as to provide for a perfect final round cutting of the bearings without the need for wet grinding. The fine machining is preferably achieved by dry machining and orthogonal rotational milling, all main bearings and lifting bearings being machined in a single clamping from the rough machining dimensions to the final dimension.

Abstract: A center drive support for supporting a crankshaft during machining in a machining device comprises a rotatably drivable support member and a drive unit. The rotatably drivable support member has a carrier with at least two clamping elements with clamping ends. The clamping elements are displaceable between a clamping position and a release position for the crankshaft. The clamping elements clamp the crankshaft between their clamping ends. The drive unit is connected to the clamping elements for applying a required clamping force in the clamping position during rotation of the support member. The drive unit includes a clamping motor and a drive shaft connected to the clamping motor. It further includes a gear unit connected between the drive shaft and the carrier. The gear unit, during machining of the crankshaft in the clamping position, follows the rotation of the support member against the toque of the clamping motor.