METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING CUTTING FORCES OF A MACHINE TOOL

摘要

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring cutting forces associated with a machine tool. A force transducer plate forms a part of a bolted joint within the machine tool structure and is positioned within a direct force path. Raised force shunting pads are formed on both sides of the plate thereby limiting the load transfer area of the plate. At least one three-axis load cell is mounted closely adjacent one force shunting pad and elevated relative to the pad such that an acceptable pre-load is maintained on the load cell. By strategically placing the load cell closely adjacent the force shunting pad and utilizing the force shunting pads to transfer the majority of loads through the plate, hysteresis is minimized, linearity optimized, and the load cell protected from overload.