A Novel Parallel Engraving Machine Based on 6-PUS Mechanism and Related Technologies

Abstract

Conventional computer engraving machine has played an important role in industries such as machinery machining, printing and dyeing and entertainment, but it has the inherent disadvantages such as cutting tool can be fed only along the fixed guideway, lower degree-of-freedom(DOF) of cutting tool, lower flexibility and mobility for machining etc. Parallel mechanism has the merits such as high mechanical stiffness, high load capacity, high precision, good dynamic performance etc (Huang,1997). According to the characteristics of parallel mechanism, it has been a hot research topic to apply parallel mechanism to the domain of future machining. By applying parallel mechanism to engraving domain, its inherent advantages can be fully exerted and the disadvantages of conventional engraving machine can be overcome or compensated. But as the special structure of parallel mechanism, the related theory and technology during its engraving is very different from that of conventional engraving machine, and it is a undeveloped research topic by now. In addition, with the development of computer network technology, the new concept and method such as network machining and manufacturing has become hot research topic(Huang & Mak,2001; Taylor & Dalton,2000; Yao & Lu,1999). A novel parallel engraving machine with six-axis linkage is proposed in this paper, which uses the 6-PUS parallel mechanism with 6-DOF as the prototype, and some key technologies such as size design, tool path planning, engraving force control and teleoperation are studied on this basis.