A novel hybrid machine tool integrating a symmetrical redundantly actuated parallel mechanism: Design, kinematics, prototype and experiment. (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fang, Hanliang; Tang, Tengfei; He, Zhen; Liu, Yuanchang; Zhang, Jun
• Is Part Of: Mechanism and machine theory. Volume 176(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: Hybrid machine tool -- Redundantly actuated -- Parallel mechanism -- 5-axis machining; Machine theory -- Periodicals; Machinery -- Periodicals; Machines -- Périodiques; Génie mécanique -- Périodiques; Machine theory; Machinery; Periodicals; 621.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2022.105013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-114X

Abstract

Highlights: A screw theory based type synthesis methodology is proposed for RAPMs. An RAPM with symmetrical structure and large orientation ability is newly invented. A novel hybrid machine tool with 5-axis machining capacity is constructed. The kinematic properties of the hybrid machine tool are revealed mathematically. Abstract: Hybrid machine tools are suitable for machining structural components with complex geometries due to their merits of flexible posture adjustment and quick dynamic response. This paper proposes a novel hybrid machine tool with 5-axis machining capability by integrating a newly invented redundantly actuated parallel mechanism (RAPM). For this purpose, a screw theory based type synthesis methodology is proposed to synthesize a RAPM with a topology of 2PRU-(2PRU)R. The synthesized RAPM is conceptually designed as a spindle head, which is characterized by symmetrical limb arrangement and usage of only PRU-type kinematic chains. The spindle head is further integrated with a two-sliding gantry to construct a novel 5-axis hybrid machine tool. The kinematic performances of position and singularity of the proposed hybrid machine tool are analyzed. After then, a laboratory prototype of the hybrid machine tool is engineered and an open-architecture numerical control system is developed to perform 5-axis machining tasks. The large orientation capacity and 5-axis machining capability of the hybrid machine tool are verified by some motion experiments and machining tests.