Method for monitoring cutting tool wear during a machining operation

摘要

The vibration of an end mill (36) is sensed by either microphones (42, 44, 46) or accelerometers (78, 80, 82). A time domain signal is produced by these sensors which is converted into a near-real time frequency spectrum. A certain frequency band in the spectrum is directly related to end mill vibration and certain frequencies in the band will change in amplitude corresponding to certain types of end mill wear. When any of the amplitudes in the band exceed a certain threshold limit the end mill is known to be dull.