Tool wear measurement in turning using force ratio

The aim of this work was to develop a reliable method to predict flank wear during the turning process. The present work developed a mathematical model for on-line monitoring of tool wear in a turning process. Force signals are highly sensitive carriers of information about the machining process and, hence, they are the best alternatives for monitoring tool wear. In the present work, determination of tool wear has been achieved by using force signals. The relationship between flank wear and the ratio of force components was established on the basis of data obtained from a series of experiments. Measurement of the ratio between the feed force and the cutting force components (F-f/F-c) has been found to provide a practical method for an in-process approach to the quantification of tool wear. A series of experiments was conducted to study the effects of tool wear as well as other cutting parameters on the cutting force signals, and to establish a relationship between the force signals, tool wear and other cutting parameters. The flank wear and the ratio of forces at different working conditions were collected experimentally to develop a mathematical model for predicting flank wear. The model was verified by comparing the experimental values with the predicted values. The relationship was then used for determination of tool flank wear. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.