Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for working a piece with a machine called a parallel-architecture machine of the type comprising a movable tool-holder table connected to a fixed table by a plurality of legs, the machine being programmed to carry out theoretical cycles of the tools, characterized in that: the fixed table (4) of the machine (1) is fixed relative to a zone of the piece to be worked; measurements are taken of the relative position between a first entity specific to the machine and a second entity specific to the piece; from the measurements previously acquired, the exact position is deduced, in coordinates and in inclination, of the first entity in a frame of reference; the preprogrammed theoretical cycles of the tool or tools are modified according to the exact relative position of the two entities calculated in the previous step.

Abstract: A hexapod, for example, a hexapod used to position a tool with respect to a part to be machined, includes two spaced plates interconnected by six articulated and extensible legs. The two plates, including a base plate and a mobile plate, and the six legs are joined for varying, at will, the relative position of the mobile plate with respect to that of the base plate. The hexapod further includes a device for reducing and/or compensating for stresses on the elements of the hexapod, which can be a mechanical device, such as a jack, coupling a fixed surface with the periphery of the mobile plate and/or logic (in software) for defining at least one force-limiting criterion.

Abstract: A linear guidance device adapted for use in a machine tool such as a hexapod includes a rail having an open region which extends, either completely or partially, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rail, and a ball screw having a nut which is fixed to the rail and which either completely or partially penetrates the open region of the rail.

Abstract: A process for machining mechanical parts, including the milling of parts having a complex shape, includes the steps of determining the volume of the part to be machined, defining a corresponding machining grid, plotting the machining grid defined for the volume of the part to be machined, programming the plotted machining grid, and machining the part, grid line by grid line, according to the established programming. The process is implemented with an apparatus including a machining head coupled with a tool support. The tool support for the machining head (e.g., a cutting tool head) is positioned to face a predetermined point of the grid line to be machined, and immobilized. The machining head is mobilized to machine the desired grid line, with the tool support remaining fixed.