Development of a CNC machine with parallel configuration for educational purpose

• Grant number: 05/04107-8
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: December 01, 2006
• End date: August 31, 2007
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Marco Stipkovic Filho
• Grantee: Marco Stipkovic Filho
• Company: Adiante Informática Ltda
• Associated researchers: Tarcisio Antonio Hess Coelho

Abstract

During the last decade, both the academic and the industrial communities, have dedicated great effort in developing machine tools which are capable to fulfill the demands for productivity and flexibility. Among the promising areas of development, are those which apply to Parallel Kinematic Machines (PKM), where, in a simplified way, a mobile platform (where is attached the cutting tool) is connected to a fixed base though least two indepedent members or legs. This kind of machine can be developed for pick and place operation or even machining. It is interesting to notice that, as the conventional CNC machines have a structure of orthogonal serial axis (an axis upon the other), the PKM's are designed with a multi-leg which acts simultaneously in order to position and orient the tool. This characteristic allows the PKM's to perform better in terms of dynamic behavior, simplicity and stiffness. On the other hand, when focusing the market for didactic CNC machines, there are few competitors playing around the world, and none with Brazilian flag. The machine architecture are invariably serial and the mechanical power delivered by those equipments do not attend the needs of small machining shops. Another restricting aspect is the higher cost of acquisition, which becomes the ROI less attractive. The explanation of this project is based on the lack CKC equipments, of small size, and affordable price, which can attend both technical schools, in training professional labor in Programming and Operation of CNC machines as well as small shops in performing high precision metal machining. (AU)