Thesis (MTech. degree in Mechanical Engineering)--Tshwane University of Technology, 2010. / This research aimed to develop a Reconfigurable Parallel Kinematic Machine Tool (RPKMT) to be utilized in the maintenance and reconditioning of moulds and dies. The dissertation presents three conceptual designs of a mechanical manipulator, based on specifications required for refurbishing of moulds and dies. Kinematics and mechanical requirements were derived from manufacturing processes and the recommended repair solutions (i.e. steps/operations) required for the specific defect. These requirements resulted in translating customer requirements into engineering/technical characteristics using Quality Function Deployment (QFD) techniques, specifically House of Quality (HoQ). This was followed by the concept design phase, which consisted of the use of the following techniques: Product Function Decomposition and the Morphological Matrix. A comparison study was performed on the conceptual designs, employing kinematic analysis and workspace analysis. The Pugh's Method was used as the concept-selection techniques to aid in selecting the most suitable RPKMT concept. It was for this concept that a model of the design was developed. This phase included selection of the materials for the links, bearing mounts, the base plate and the statics analysis. This was followed by the selection of the link actuators, the spindle drive and the presentation the assembled drawing of the design concept. Finally, a discussion of how the repair process of typical mould/die would be carried out on the RPKMT is presented.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:tut/oai:encore.tut.ac.za:d1000642 |
| Date | January 2010 |
| Creators | Modungwa, Dithoto. |
| Contributors | Tlale, N. S., Mbarawa, M. M. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | |
| Rights | ©2010 Tshwane University of Technology |
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