Selection of optimal machining parameters for hexapod machine tool

Parallel kinematic machine tools (PKM) have the advantages of higher stiffness, higher payload capacity and lower inertia. Still their penetration into the machine tool industry is very less. One of the difficulties in using PKMs such as hexapod machine tools is that the stiffness continuously varies with configuration change at every instant. This makes location of work piece and selection of machining parameters difficult and complicated. A methodology is presented in this article to select optimal machining parameters for hexapod machine tools. Particle swarm optimization is used as a tool in the optimization process. A profile-milling example is also presented to demonstrate the selection of machining parameters.