Virtual Arch Type Reconfigurable Machine Tool Design: Principles and Methodology

The report presents a new approach for designing a Reconfigurable Machine Tool (RMT). The design methodology presented in the report was developed in ERC/RMS at the University of Michigan and it generates all kinematicaly feasible RMT designs. The design of a new RMT is not just configuring the existing modules for a specific task, but rather a design of a new type of machine, which can illustrate the ideas of reconfiguration science. This report illustrates the characteristics of RMTs by showing design procedures of virtual arch type RMT. Finally, the report justifies the need for building a RMT prototype by reviewing the academic and economic value of the machine.