Parasolid model for hexapod

I've made a Parasolid model as promised. It seems to open correctly in SolidEdge and SolidWorks. The model is pretty exact, though it might be different from actual machine in a few small details. Hope it can be useful for someone.

LinuxCNC hexapod machine tool

As I promised, here's a bit more. Since EMC2 name has changed recently, now the machine becomes LinuxCNC hexapod.

The machine was assembled without ballscrews, servo drives connected to breakout boards and motors, and proved to rotate. Then the ballscrews were connected to the platform joints, and the nuts bolted to the actuators. Till the last moment there were doubts, that the platform would be rigid enough. But it proved rigid as planned! The very first moves were luckily captured on the video. Not much spectacular, but really exciting for me.

EMC2 hexapod: the beginning

The project aims to:
 - prove the possibility to build 5 axis machine tool with decent performance out of cheap imprecise components;
- develop simple and effective desigh of joints and actuators for parallel machine tools;
- elaborate automated methods to calibrate parallel machine tool without expensive equipment.

Available information on existing multiaxis parallel machines was analysed and evaluated. The following considerations and requirements to parallel mechanism and its components were taken into account:
1. Single-type actuators for all dof to minimize the number of components. That leads to fully parallel machines only.
2. The simpliest possible design of all components to minimize manufacturing cost.
3. The lowest precision of base frame so that it could be weld and bolted with no additional equipment.
4. The servo motors preferred to steppers - they do not lose steps, have uniform torque up to maximum rotation speed.
5. The base frame should be tall enough to provide free access to working envelope and wide enough to be steady.