A methodology for the configuration synthesis of machining centers with automatic tool changer

The purpose of this paper is to present a design methodology for the configuration synthesis of machining centers with automatic tool changer to meet the required topology and motion characteristics. According to the concept of coordinate system, graph theory, generalization, specialization, and motion synthesis, this design methodology is proposed and computerized, and the machining centers with automatic tool changer up to eight links are synthesized. As the result, for the machining centers with drum type tool magazine, the numbers of configurations of machining centers with 6, 7, and 8 links are 2, 13, and 20, respectively. Similarly, for the machining centers with linear type tool magazine, the numbers of configurations of machining centers with 5, 6, 7, and 8 links are 1, 5, 20, and 60, respectively. Furthermore, this work provides a systematic approach for synthesizing spatial open-type mechanisms with topology and motion requirements.