In-process tool wear detection by measuring the slip of AC induction motor in intermittent cutting process

The molds used in the manufacture of many industrial products are mainly manufactured by cutting with a machining center. Since the cutting time is very long in these cutting processes, it is important to judge the tool life and know the appropriate timing for tool change. The authors of this study have been investigating in-process detection of tool wear using tools and the work material itself as sensors, and good results have been obtained. In this method, since the work material and the cutting edge of the cutting tool themselves become sensors, therefore the detection system can be constructed at low cost and does not affect the actual work. In this study, the focus was on the slip of the AC induction motor for driving the spindle of a milling machine. This detection method can also construct the detection system at low cost and does not affect the actual work. By measuring it, it was possible to investigate whether tool wear can be detected in-process. It was found that there is an excellent relationship between the progress of tool flank wear and the slip of the AC induction motor.