Simulation of Three-dimensional Free-form Surface Normal Machining by 4SPS+SPR Parallel Machine Tool

Abstract

In order to facilitate and efficiently analyze by simulation during normal machining 3D free-form surface with 4SPS+SPR parallel machine tool, by using powerful modeling function of SolidWorks software to carry out modeling for three-dimensional entity of parallel machine tools. First, the simulation mechanisms of parallel manipulators are created by CAD variable geometric method. Second, a 3D free-form surface and a guiding plane of tool path are constructed above the moving platform of the simulation mechanism, and the tool axis of simulation parallel machine tools are retained perpendicular to the 3D free-form surface, then the simulation parallel machine tool for machining a 3D free surface is created. Third, in the light of the prescribed tool path which is combined with the parallel machine tool, the driving limbs and pose of the moving platform of parallel machine tool are solved automatically and visualized dynamically. The simulation results show that the approach can be used machine any unknown surface without compiling computer program, and is also advantageous from viewpoint of accuracy and repeatability.