Small Grants for Exploratory Research (SGER): A Novel Milling Machine Structure

本研究旨在评估、分析和设计一种全新的方法来配置计算机数字控制（CNC）金属切削机床。传统的数控机床主要配置为一组相互垂直的直线轴，通过这些直线轴的插补产生刀具路径，以切割各种形状的形状。在这种方法中，机床仅由旋转轴组成，需要生成的各种刀具路径将由它们的插补产生。以这种方式配置机器的好处是众所周知的，但为了确定这种方法的可行性，需要评估和解决复杂而重要的控制问题。该项目由一个准行业组织共同资助，它的成功可能会导致传统机床配置方式的一场小革命，并可能为国内工业提供一个开发的机会。

This research is intended to evaluate, analyze and design a completely novel approach to configuring Computer Numeric Control (CNC) metal-cutting machine tools. Traditional CNC machines are primarily configured as a set of mutually perpendicular linear axes and cutting tool paths are generated by the interpolation of these linear axes, to cut the variety of shapes hat have to be manufactured. In this approach the machine tool consists of only rotary axes and all the variety of tool paths that need to be generated will result from their interpolation. The benefits of configuring the machine in this manner are well established but complex and significant control issues need to be evaluated and addressed in order to establish the feasibility of this approach. The success of this program, which is being jointly funded by a quasi-industry organization, could lead to minor revolution in the way conventional machine tools are configured and potentially provide the domestic industry an opportunity to exploit.