Concept 5 Axis Machine - Additional funding

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Machine Tools currently on the market are traditionally split into 3 main categories, milling,turning and grinding, plus the newer category of additive manufacturing, with a limited numberof machine designs that offer a cross-over between 2 of these categories, for example mill/turn,mill/grind, turn/mill and now mill/additive. All these cross-over designs have significantlimitations to their versatility mainly due to the standard format of the basic machine. i.e. astandard format 5-axis milling machine has limited turning capability due to the turning toolbeing held in the milling spindle. Furthermore, limitations are found in many designs in the waythat the tool spindle is moved around in order to achieve the full extent of the 5-axis millingcapability, requiring large linear movements to create a relatively small change in angle orrotary position.The aim of this project is to prove out and identify the strengths and weaknesses of a machinedesign concept that addresses these limitations in a way which, while embracing establishedmachine tool design and construction techniques, provides a game changing solution facilitatingextremely flexible high speed 5 axis milling, accurate medium and low speed turning, versatilecylindrical grinding and 3D printing / additive manufacturing capabilities in a single highlyefficient, versatile, flexible and maintainable unit.