Parallel Kinematic Machine Tools – Current State and Future Potentials

Parallel kinematics have recently attracted attention as machine tools because of their conceptual potentials in high motion dynamics and accuracy combined with high structural rigidity due to their closed kinematic loops. This paper, prepared with input from CIRP colleagues as well as of machine manufacturers and end-users involved in PKM, attempts to review the development of parallel kinematics for machine tools, their practical application and their performance compared to classical machine tools.