Capabilities of parallel link machine tools: preliminary investigations of the Variax Hexacenter

摘要

This paper aims to highlight the work being done by the RapidResponse Aerospace Manufacture (RRAW) research group at the University of Nottingham in the area of capability investigations of parallel link machine tools. The paper focuses on the Giddings and lewis Variax Hexacenter, which has been in operation at the University of Nottingham's Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Operations Management since September 1997.In the first section of the paper the concept of parallel link machine tools is described, as well as the application of the Variax within the context of a responsive manufacturing cell. The second section details some of the standard machine capabilitytests applied to parallel link machines, and summarises the test results carried out 10 date on the Variax. The third section describes some aspects requiring investigation beyond these initial tests, and highlights the areas of knowledge which aregenerally underinvestigated for parallel link machines. An outline of the research being undertaken by the RRAM group to address these areas is then briefly described.