Research on the theory and the virtual prototype of 3-DOF parallel-link coordinate-measuring machine

Firstly, this paper describes the structure, measuring theory and characteristics of a new kind of coordinate measuring machine (CMM) using parallel-link mechanism with three spatial degrees of freedom (3-DOF). Then, the measuring model of it is established according to the theory of spatial mechanics, and the workspace of the probe is calculated and verified by computer simulation. Finally, the virtual prototype of the new CMM is studied by using the graphics functions in OpenGL graphics library based on Windows 98 and Visual C++ 6.0. This research lays the foundation for manufacturing the real prototype of the parallel-link CMM.