Article tools sponsored by

Stiff pentapod

By John Lewis, Technical Editor -- Design News, July 22, 2002


Compared to many six-strut hexapod configurations, this five-strut design increases the ratio of working space to build volume while providing more residual stiffness at high swivel angles.

In addition to its 5-axis machining capability, this pentapod design can also swivel through ninety degrees. The machine controller, however, accepts conventional co-ordinate information supplied by a normal numerical control program. Bosch Rexroth MHS 40 direct drives with hollow-shaft motors raise and lower the spindles. Compared to toothed-belt systems, the direct drive gives a stiffer design with fewer parts, increasing reliability. As there is no belt, no retensioning is required. Machining applications for the pentapod include models for prototypes and forms for castings.

Michael Schwaar, METROM Mechatronische Maschinen GmbH, Chemnitz, Germany; Tel: +49 371 5347 600; Fax: +49 371 5347 601; michael.schwaar@metrom.com. For more information, circle 509

Submit your ideas and rough drawings for this section to John Lewis, Designer's Corner, Design News, 275 Washington St., Newton, MA 02458

related stories
resource center
by this author

View more articles by John Lewis

Technology Marketplace

Article tools sponsored by

Talkback

We would love your feedback!

» View All Talkback Threads

» Submit talk back

DN's Resource Center Get Free Information, Made Easy

Unique & Personal Capabilities catalog
Control Line Equipment, Inc. | Design Guide
Request Item
How to Create Lasting Bonds with Adhesives, Sealants & Coatings
Master Bond | White Paper
Request Item

View all DN resources >>

Design News Partner Zones

CAD/CAE Model Clean-Up: Reduce Iterative Cycles
Discuss how Recipe-Based Automation can help create "just-in-time" CAE-ready geometry when CAD models are updated. Register Now

Light Matters: Systems Level Approach to HBLED illumination applications
Its good practice to apply a systems-level approach to high-brightness LED (HBLED) illumination applications. Minimally, the system includes the optical, thermal and electrical characteristics of the of the HBLED, the lens (if any) which is built-in to its package, secondary optics such as external plastic lenses/reflectors to direct the light as your application requires and power driver electronics. Read More

Design Engineers' Portal for Sensing and Machine Safety
Whatever industry you're in, or whatever product you manufacture, the right sensors to automate your plant, and to improve your overall efficiency, quality and safety are a must. You'll find Banner Engineering to be an amazing resource of products, training and people with expertise.