Application of backpropagation neural network for spindle vibration-based tool wear monitoring in micro-milling

This study develops a micro-tool condition monitoring system consisting of accelerometers on the spindle, a data acquisition and signal transformation module, and a backpropagation neural network. This study also discusses the effect of the sensor installations, selected features, and the bandwidth size of the features on the classification rate. To collect the vibration signals necessary for training the system model and verifying the system, an experiment was implemented on a micro-milling research platform along with a 700 μm diameter micro-end mill and a SK2 workpiece. A three-axis accelerometer was installed on a sensor plate attached to the spindle housing to collect vibration signals in three directions during cutting. The frequency domain features representing changes in tool wear were selected based on the class mean scatter criteria after transforming signals from the time domain to the frequency domain by fast Fourier transform. Using the appropriate vibration features, this study develops and tests a backpropagation neural network classifier. Results show that proper feature extraction for classification provides a better solution than applying all spectral features into the classifier. Selecting five features for classification provides a better classification rate than the case with four and three features along with the 30 Hz bandwidth size of the spectral feature. Moreover, combining the signals for tool condition from both direction signals provides a better classification rate than determining the tool condition using a one-direction single sensor.