One of the important considerations in designing a machine tool is the durability. In this study, a durability estimation system for horizontal machining centers is developed to evaluate the effects of structural specification and driving condi-tions on the durability. All loads such as weights, inertial forces, cutting force and so on, are automatically transferred from the upper elements to the lower elements by the force flows which can be derived from the structural code of horizontal machining centers. And the external loads applied to the motion elements such as bearings, LM guides, ball screws and ao on, are determined by the equilibrium conditions of force and moment. Especially, the durability of horizontal machining centers is estimated based on the lifes of motion elements operating under the desired driving conditions.
