Parallel robots have significant advantages in the application of CNC machine tools. Its high precision, high stiffness, and high degree of freedom make it an ideal choice for handling strict machining requirements, especially for the manufacturing of high-precision components and complex surfaces, significantly improving production efficiency and accelerating the entire manufacturing process. CNC machine tools based on parallel robots have demonstrated strong adaptability and superior performance in the demand for high-speed and high-precision machining, thus giving birth to many excellent machine tools, injecting new impetus into the manufacturing industry, and driving it towards more advanced and efficient production methods.

Today we will take a look at these successful cases.

1. TriCept hybrid robot

TriCept is a company specializing in robot systems, with its core product being a hybrid robot system called TriCept. This system adopts hybrid technology, cleverly combining the characteristics of series and parallel robots to achieve high flexibility and high-precision operation. TriCept hybrid robots are widely used in various fields such as manufacturing, automotive manufacturing, and healthcare. Their design aims to perform high-precision and complex operational tasks, such as assembly and precision machining. Its excellent precision operation ability makes it an ideal choice in production processes that require complex processing of workpieces.

Structure: 3UPS-UP parallel module+RR series head

Degree of freedom: 5 DOF (3R2T)

Advantages: Large workspace, high stiffness to weight ratio, and the ability to achieve closed-loop feedback of end position

Application: High speed machining of aircraft structural components and automotive cover molds, as well as various special processing methods such as laser and water jet

Figure 1. Tricept hybrid robot 

2. Exechon hybrid robot

Exechon is a Swiss based company specializing in parallel robot technology. The Exechon hybrid robot system they have launched integrates the characteristics of series and parallel robots, creating a highly flexible, high-precision, and multifunctional robot solution. This system is suitable for multiple fields such as aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and precision machining, and has multi axis degrees of freedom to execute complex motion trajectories. The Exechon hybrid robot performs excellently in precision machining and assembly, executing tasks with high speed and precision to meet the requirements of complex processing in the manufacturing process.

Structure: 2UPR-SPR parallel module+RR series head

Degree of freedom: 5 DOF (3R2T)

Advantages: High speed, high stiffness, high precision, modular structure, easy disassembly and installation

Application: Precision machining of large and complex parts such as battery shells, frame structures, and chassis components

Figure 2. Exechon hybrid robot

3. Metrom parallel robot

The P series 5-bar parallel motion machine tool from Germany's Metrom company is equipped with universal hinge fulcrums of ball screws on the 5 surfaces of the steel plate welded multi rhombic frame structure bed. The other end of the 5 screws is connected to the 5 rotatable concentric outer rings of the main shaft components through hinges. The ball screws are driven by a servo motor, and the distance between the two support points of the ball screws can be changed to make the main shaft components in different working positions, so that the deviation angle of the main shaft components is greater than 90 º, which can truly perform 5-sided machining.

Structure: 5 SPR parallel modules

Degree of freedom: 5 DOF (3R2T)

Advantages: High utilization of machine space, capable of achieving spindle components with a deviation angle greater than 90 º for full 5-sided machining

Application: High speed 3D printing of high-performance plastics, friction stir welding, large container processing, etc

Figure 3. Metrom parallel robot

4. Ecospeed 5-axis machining center

Ecospeed five axis machining center is synonymous with the best economic solution for processing complex aircraft aluminum alloy structural components. It is an Ecospeed machining center integrated with a 2R1T three degree of freedom Sprint Z3 spindle head (3-PRS parallel mechanism) and an X/Y long stroke slide rail. By combining the high-speed attitude adjustment ability of the Z3 spindle head and the large range movement ability of the X/Y long stroke, it has been successfully used for efficient and high-precision machining of large aircraft structural components, representing the best production solution for efficient machining of large aircraft aluminum alloy structural components today.

Structure: 3-PRS parallel module+X/Y long stroke slide rail

Degree of freedom: 5 DOF (2R3T)

Advantages: High performance 5-axis acceleration, high-speed acceleration of each axis, excellent surface quality, minimal downtime, maximum process reliability, and extremely high accuracy

Application: Processing of aluminum alloy structural components for large aircraft, etc

Figure 4. Ecospeed 5-axis machining center

It is worth emphasizing that the above-mentioned machine tool systems have intellectual property rights from abroad, which makes them relatively expensive, and the core key technologies are blocked by China. This indicates that the advanced technology and design scheme adopted by the machine tool are in a leading position internationally, giving it a unique competitive advantage in the market. However, due to limitations on related core technologies, China may face difficulties in obtaining these technologies, thereby increasing the cost of introducing such machine tools.

This phenomenon highlights the importance of intellectual property in international scientific and technological competition, while also highlighting China's challenges in independent research and technological innovation. In order to achieve independent technological mastery and reduce dependence on imported technologies, it may be necessary to promote more scientific research and innovation projects domestically, and improve China's self-sufficiency in the field of advanced manufacturing. This challenge has also driven China's strategic adjustment in the field of science and technology to encourage more innovative technologies to enter the market and provide support for industrial upgrading.