Design and dynamic analysis of an arch-type desktop reconfigurable machine

This paper describes the development of a three-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) desktop reconfigurable machine tool. Recently, numerous micro-components or systems in various areas such as biomedical micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) often require dedicated, precise, and cost-efficient manufacturing processes to cope with large product demand fluctuations in the global market. A downscaled desktop manufacturing machine that can control multi-DOF motions rapidly and smoothly on the basis of a reduced machine size was developed to meeting this demand. In this paper, the conceptual design of a desktop reconfigurable machine, which is capable of controlling the three DOF orientation of a spindle, is presented. Then, static and dynamic structural analyses are performed to characterize the effect of vibration on the manufacturing performance. The results demonstrate the feasibility of simultaneously controlling the position and orientation of the machine tool during the machining operation. Dynamic simulations and experimental results using a closed-loop control with position feedback are presented to illustrate the performance and features of the system. Unlike conventional full-scale manufacturing machines, the developed machine provides a number of advantages, including fast dynamic response, simple design, low cost, and a compact but relatively large workspace without motion singularities. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.