Real time implementation of on-line tool condition monitoring in turning

This paper describes a real-time tool condition monitoring system for turning operations. The system uses a combination of static and dynamic neural networks with off-line and on-line training and cutting force components are used as diagnostic signals. The system is capable of monitoring several wear components simultaneously. The wear estimation system has been implemented experimentally to evaluate its suitability for use in shop floor conditions. The tests were performed in real time with different cutting conditions. The experimental results showed that the system was successful in predicting three wear components in real time. However, the accuracy of the wear prediction was not the same for all three wear components. The crater wear predictions were less accurate partly because of the opposing effects of crater and flank wear components on cutting force components.