| This "octahedral
hexapod" machine tool represents the first major departure in machine tool design in
nearly a century. The machines's "parallel actuator" technology promises to
offer manufacturers a combination of versatility, stiffness, speed, and accuracy. As part
of the Institute's National Advanced Manufacturing Testbed, NIST researchers and
collaborators from U.S. companies and universities are studying the new tools' unique
capabilities. Research areas include machine metrology, performance characterization test
methods and standards, performance enhancement methods, simulation and remote
experimentation tools, and open architecture controller interfaces. |
Photo by Kathie Koenig Simon