Concept universal 5 axis machine

Machine Tools currently on the market are traditionally split into 3 main categories, milling, turning and grinding, plus the newer category of additive manufacturing, with a limited number of machine designs that offer a cross-over between 2 of these categories, for example mill/turn, mill/grind, turn/mill and now mill/additive. All these cross-over designs have significant limitations to their versatility mainly due to the standard format of the basic machine. i.e. a standard format 5-axis milling machine has limited turning capability due to the turning tool being held in the milling spindle. Furthermore, limitations are found in many designs in the way that the tool spindle is moved around in order to achieve the full extent of the 5-axis milling capability, requiring large linear movements to create a relatively small change in angle or rotary position.

The aim of this project is to prove out and identify the strengths and weaknesses of a machine design concept that addresses these limitations in a way which, while embracing established machine tool design and construction techniques, provides a game changing solution facilitating extremely flexible high speed 5 axis milling, accurate medium and low speed turning, versatile cylindrical grinding and 3D printing / additive manufacturing capabilities in a single highly efficient, versatile, flexible and maintainable unit.