In-Process Detection of Cutting Tool Damage by Acoustic Emission Measurement

Summary

New method for in-process detection of cutting tool damage, such as wear, fracture and cracking was proposed. In the present study, the acoustic emission signal from the metal cutting process was monitored in order to identify the state of the cutting tool edge. The flank wear of the cutting tool was successfully measured by monitoring the gradual increase of the acoustic emission signal level. In-process detection of the cutting tool fracture was also possible by monitoring the stepwise increase in the amplitude level or the outbreak of burst-type acoustic emission signals. Finally, the feasibility of the in-process detection of tool cracking was investigated using the same sensor. Microprocessor was used to process the data obtained and to indicate the state of the cutting tool damage.