A new resolution of workspace problem of parallel machine tool

Taking a 3-TPT parallel machine tool as example, two different methods resolving the workspace problem of parallel machine tool are discussed. One is common analytical method that is to solve the available workspace by solving kinematical inverse equation of parallel machine tool. Due to analytical method is complex and hard to get exact workspace, the other new one by using virtual prototype technique to resolve the workspace problem is put forward. It is simple and clear in thought process as a shortcut and available to use in wide range, i.e., only a model of virtual prototype of parallel machine tool is needed to develop with some constraint conditions given, the workspace can be found out directly without complex derivation process. The two methods mentioned above are compared with each other, and the results indicate that the method by virtual prototype technique is more visual and practical and simpler.