Tool condition monitoring in mechanical micromachining

Abstract

Tool condition monitoring using sensors has become an integral part of machine tools to enhance product quality and productivity. The breakage of the tool causes poor surface quality and dimensional accuracy for machined parts, or possible damage to a workpiece or machine. Tool condition monitoring is considerably vital in the manufacturing industry. In this chapter, tool condition monitoring during mechanical micromachining is discussed. In mechanical micromachining the size of the tool significantly scales down and it becomes difficult to monitor the micro tool. During the micromachining process, there can be breakage of tool or tool wear which are challenging to detect with conventional methods due to the micro tool size. The micro tool is subjected to comparatively high cutting force and vibration during the micromachining process as the tool wear increases. To retain precision as well as quality in the components, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the micro tool. Tool condition monitoring supports this situation with the help of various sensors