A Novel 5-Axis Parallel Machine Tool Family

摘要

A novel 5-axis parallel machining tool family is presented in this paper. The basic idea behind this family is to use an additional passive constraint limb to restrict the rotational DOF (degrees of freedom) of the moving platform, which is a unnecessary DOF in the 5-axis machining process. The structures of the constraint limb are synthesized by screw theory. By adding sensors on the joints of the constraint limb, the configuration of the moving platform is available by reverse kinematics so that closed-loop control of the machine tool can be implemented.