Machine tool configuration and analysis on the base of virtual interactive prototyping

Abstract

Reconfigurable machine tool concept allows rapid changes in the machine structure aiming the increasing its market responsiveness. The reconfiguring time need to be as limited as possible, otherwise the advantage of responsiveness will vanish. Paper proposes a method for machine configuration and analysis based on virtual interactive prototyping. The scope of the current research is to help design engineers make better decisions regarding the reconfigurable machine tools by providing an appropriate reconfiguration method. A method of virtual interactive prototyping of reconfigurable machine tools is present as regard hypothesis, key ideas, algorithm, and practical application phases. For the method feasibility assessment is developed a proof of concept demonstrator. Finally, is concluded that the method is suitable for implementation of the reconfigurable machine tool concept.