Development of a voice coil motor based fast tool servo with a function of self-sensing of cutting forces

This paper presents a fast tool servo (FTS) driven by a voice coil motor (VCM) with a function of self-sensing of cutting forces. Conventionally, cutting force measurement associated with a FTS system is made by integrating an additional force sensor or a dynamometer, which would make the system complicated and influence the dynamic performance of the FTS. Differing from the conventional method, the force measurement in the proposed system is achieved by detecting the current of the VCM and then obtaining the cutting force based on the electromagnetic field distribution of the VCM. Since it is not necessary to integrate additional force sensors, the main body of the FTS could be compact and the dynamics of the FTS would not be influenced by the added function of force measurement. The FTS mainly consists of an air bearing guide driven by a VCM with a stroke of 2.5 mm, an optical encoders feedback system for precision positioning and a hall current sensor for current measurement. To obtain forces from the measured currents, the magnetic field distribution of the VCM is figured out and the nonlinear relationship between the position and the magnetic field distribution is corrected. The basic performances of the FTS for positioning and force measurement were experimentally investigated. It is shown that the system could have a positioning resolution of 20 nm and a force self-sensing resolution of 5 mN based on the proposed method. The proposed method provides a new way for in-process cutting force measurement associated with FTS systems.     

Auto-tracking single point diamond cutting on non-planar brittle material substrates by a high-rigidity force controlled fast tool servo

This paper presents auto-tracking single point diamond cutting, which can conduct precision cutting on non-planar brittle material substrates without prior knowledge of their surface forms, by utilizing a force controlled fast tool servo (FTS). Differing from traditional force feedback control machining based on a cantilever mechanism such as an atomic force microscope (AFM) that suffers from low-rigidity and limited machining area, the force controlled FTS utilizes a highly-rigid piezoelectric-type force sensor integrated with a tool holder of the FTS system to provide sufficient stiffness and robustness for force-controlled cutting of brittle materials. It is also possible for the system to be integrated with machine tools to deal with the difficulties in the cutting of large area non-planar brittle materials, which requires not only high machining efficiency but also a high stiffness. Experimental setup is developed by integrating the force controlled FTS to a four-axis ultra-precision diamond turning machine. For the verification of the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed cutting strategy and system, auto-tracking diamond cutting of micro-grooves is conducted on an inclined silicon substrate and a convex BK7 glass lens, while realizing constant depths of cuts under controlled thrust forces.     

Monitoring of diamond disk wear in stone cutting by means of force or acceleration sensors

The application of sensor systems is becoming more commonplace in improving productivity, automation, and reliability. The sensors employed in such systems possess signal and information ability for enhancing the monitoring and control of machining processes. Although measuring force and acceleration signals have been commonly used for the monitoring of metal machining processes, their application to stone cutting has not been well developed, which is perhaps due to the complexity of the interaction between the stone and the diamond disk. In order to enhance knowledge in this area of applications, a multi-sensor system was developed and installed for the monitoring of stone cutting by diamond mill. The signals acquired and analysed by the system include force and acceleration under different machining conditions. The measured signal data was used to perform time-domain analysis. The results indicate the feasibility of using the RMS features of force or acceleration signals along z-axis for the monitoring of disk wear.     

System identification and admittance model-based nanodynamic control of ultra-precision cutting process

The control of diamond turning is usually achieved through a laser-interferometer feedback of slide position. The limitation of this control scheme is that the feedback signal does not account for additional dynamics of the tool post and the material removal process. If the tool post is rigid and the material removal process is relatively statie, then such a non-collocated position feedback control scheme may suffice. However, as the accuracy requirement gets tighter and desired surface contours become more complex, the need for direct tool-tip sensing becomes inevitable. The physical constraints of the machining process prohibit any reasonable implementation of a tool-tip motion measurement. It is proposed that the measured force normal to the face of the workpiece can be filtered through an appropriate admittance transfer function, providing an estimated depth of cut. This can be compared to the desired depth of cut to generate the adjustment control action in addition to position feedback control. In this work, the design methodology on admittance model-based control with a conventional controller is presented. The recursive least-squares algorithm with forgetting factor is proposed to identify the parameters and update the cutting process in real time. The normal cutting forces are measured to identify the cutting dynamics in the real diamond turning process using a precision dynamometer. Based on the parameter estimation of cutting dynamies and the admittance model-based nanodynamic control scheme, simulation results are shown.     

Development of a tool wear observer model for online tool condition monitoring and control in machining nickel-based alloys

Online monitoring and in-process control improves machining quality and efficiency in the drive towards intelligent machining. It is particularly significant in machining difficult-to-machine materials like super alloys. This paper attempts to develop a tool wear observer model for flank wear monitoring in machining nickel-based alloys. The model can be implemented in an online tool wear monitoring system which predicts the actual state of tool wear in real time by measuring the cutting force variations. The correlation between the cutting force components and the flank wear width has been established through experimental studies. It was used in an observer model, which uses control theory to reconstruct the flank wear development from the cutting force signal obtained through online measurements. The monitoring method can be implemented as an outer feedback control loop in an adaptive machining system.     

Investigation of diamond cutting tool lapping system based on on-machine image measurement

The profile tolerance of diamond cutting tool??s edge is one of the key factors in affecting machining accuracy. With the development of ultra-precision machining technology for optical free-form surfaces and optical microstructures, the demand for high-precision round nose diamond cutting tools is increasing. In this study, an on-machine image processing approach is applied to cutting edge geometry truing process, and profile data of cutting edge in sub-pixel precision is acquired using a series of image processing methods. According to the profile captured, the deviation from an ideal cutting edge is calculated and feedbacked to the controller. The lapping system is employed to lap the cutting edge pertinently using the deviation and the corresponding position captured, and the round edge of high accuracy is obtained efficiently. This method can avoid the error caused by the process of refixturing for offline measurement in the traditional lapping method of diamond cutting tool and reduce the influence of human factors. A truing experiment for cutting edge of the monocrystal diamond cutting tool is carried out at the developed lapping system based on on-machine image measurement, and round cutting edge of profile tolerance less than or equal to ±0.5???m is achieved.     

Real‐Time Monitoring of Tool Fracture in Turning Using Sensor Fusion

The sensor fusion method using both an acoustic emission (AE) sensor and a built-in force sensor is introduced for on-line tool condition monitoring during turning. The cutting force was measured by a built-in piezoelectric force sensor, which was inserted in the tool turret housing of an NC lathe. FEM analysis was carried out to locate the most sensitive position for the sensor. A burst of AE signal was used as a triggering signal to inspect the cutting force. A significant drop in cutting force indicated tool breakage. The algorithm was implemented in a DSP board and the monitoring system was installed on a CNC lathe in an FMS line for in-process tool-breakage detection. The proposed system showed an excellent monitoring capability.     

Investigation of the milling stability based on modified variable cutting force coefficients

The cutting force signal distortion is caused by the dynamic characteristics of cutting force testing system. In order to handle this issue, we propose two improvements in the traditional inverse filtering technology. Firstly, we use three-spline interpolation method instead of the curve fitting method to fit the frequency response function of the test system which basically improves the accuracy of fitting. Secondly, the low-pass filter is added before the inverse filter to eliminate the influence of the high-frequency noise signal on the cutting force signal. We choose the cavity-free surface of outer covering parts of mold of automobile as research objects. The inverse filter dynamic compensation technology has been used to remove the influence of the dynamic characteristics of the test system and the high-frequency noise on the cutting force signal. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by relative milling experiments. Based on the experimentally measured forces after dynamic compensation, the modified cutting force coefficients are obtained using the average milling force method. The variation law of the cutting force coefficients with the axial depth, the radial width, and the feed rate is examined. Based on the modified variable cutting force coefficients, the 3D stability of the ball end milling cutter surface has been obtained using full-discretization approach. Combining the results from the cutting experiment and the nonlinear method, the stability prediction based on the modified variable cutting force coefficient can improve the prediction accuracy. The results provide theoretical support for the optimization of the machining process of the cavity-free surface of outer covering parts of mold of automobile.     

微结构自由曲面的超精密单点金刚石切削技术概述

回顾了超精密加工技术的发展,主要包括超精密加工设备的开发历程,以及超精密单点金刚石切削技术基础,并对微工程技术作一简要介绍;重点论述微结构自由曲面的微纳切削技术,包括单点金刚石车削(Single point diamond turning, SPDT),快刀伺服加工(Fast tool servo, FTS),金刚石微凿切(Diamond micro chiseling, DMC),光栅铣削等技术。指出微结构自由曲面测量领域面临的挑战和存在的问题,包括接触式测量和非接触式测量。通过几个典型微结构自由曲面的加工及测量的应用进行举例说明;最后介绍我国在超精密加工机床领域内的研制情况,展望了超精密切削技术未来发展趋势。     

Dynamic wireless passive strain measurement in CNC turning using surface acoustic wave sensors

Wireless, passive and dynamic surface acoustic wave (SAW) strain sensors are especially advantageous in applications with harsh environments where complex force measurements are required. High frequency multiple axis force measurement during machining processes typically requires state-of-the-art piezoelectric dynamometer technologies. Integrating dynamometers and their associated measurement chains into the machining environment typically requires significant modification to the machine structure. In this paper, SAW sensors were developed for process monitoring operations. Single-axis continuous and interrupted cutting investigations were carried out using the SAW technology installed on cutting tool holders demonstrating high dynamic bandwidth strain measurement. SAW dual-axis oblique cutting measurements were carried out where four SAW sensors were set up as two differential pairs each measuring a single axis of applied force. Improvements in sensitivity and cross-talk compensation has been realised. High-frequency wireless passive realtime process signals are presented from a passive wireless SAW force measurement system successfully integrated into an LT15 Okuma machining centre. The paper aims to present wireless passive SAW technology as a potentially platform changing approach for process and tool condition monitoring applications in the future.     

Theoretical and experimental analysis of the effect of error motions on surface generation in fast tool servo machining

The fast tool servo (FTS) machining process provides an indispensable solution for machining optical microstructures with sub-micrometer form accuracy and a nanometric surface finish without the need for any subsequent post processing. The error motions in the FTS machining play an important role in the material removal process and surface generation. However, these issues have received relatively little attention. This paper presents a theoretical and experimental analysis of the effect of error motions on surface generation in FTS machining. This is accomplished by the establishment of a model-based simulation system for FTS machining, which is composed of a surface generation model, a tool path generator, and an error model. The major components of the error model include the stroke error of the FTS, the error motion of the machine slide in the feed direction, and the axial motion error of the main spindle. The form error due to the stroke error can be extracted empirically by regional analysis, the slide motion error and the axial motion error of the spindle are obtained by a kinematic model and the analysis of the profile in the circumferential direction in single point diamond turning (SPDT) of a flat surface, respectively. After incorporating the error model in the surface generation model, the model-based simulation system is capable of predicting the surface generation in FTS machining. A series of cutting tests were conducted. The predicted results were compared with the measured results, and hence the performance of the model-based simulation system was verified. The proposed research is helpful for the analysis and diagnosis of motion errors on the surface generation in the FTS machining process, and throws some light on the corresponding compensation and optimization solutions to improve the machining quality.     

Progressive development of an absolute sensorless compensation system for cutting force-induced error

Cutting forces in traditional machining processes solely originates from the contact points on the cutting tool and workpiece. Therefore comprehensive mechanistic modeling of the machining process offers a means for realizing a sensorless cutting force monitoring system. This paper presents the progressive development of a sensorless compensation system for cutting force-induced error, whereby a learning and intelligent computer system is established, based on machining mechanics modeling and a reference compensation system. Experiences from normal machining sessions of new cutting tools and workpieces are modeled progressively and incorporated into the system. Finally with ample experience available, a full-fledged sensorless system is developed as a stand-alone solution. The sensorless system is economical, convenient, reliable and efficient. Administered on a CNC face milling machine, the model demonstrated exceptional performance and robustness.     

Tool wear monitoring system for CNC end milling using a hybrid approach to cutting force regulation

A tool wear monitoring system is indispensable for better machining productivity, with the guarantee of machining safety by informing of the time due for changing a tool in automated and unmanned CNC machining. Different from monitoring methods using other signals, the monitoring of the spindle current has been used without requiring additional sensors on the machine tools. For reliable tool wear monitoring, only the current signal from tool wear should be extracted from the other parameters to avoid exhaustive analyses on signals in which all of the parameters are fused together. In this paper, the influences of force components from different parameters on the measured spindle current are investigated, and a hybrid approach to cutting force regulation is employed for tool wear signal extraction from the spindle current. Finally, wear levels are verified with experimental results by means of real-time feedrate aspects, varied to regulate the force component from tool wear.     

Novel tool wear monitoring method in ultra-precision raster milling using cutting chips

Tool wear monitoring is a popular research topic in the field of ultra-precision machining. However, there appears to have been no research on the monitoring of tool wear in ultra-precision raster milling (UPRM) by using cutting chips. In the present research, monitoring tool wear was firstly conducted in UPRM by using cutting chips. During the cutting process, the fracture wear of the diamond tool is directly imprinted on the cutting chip surface as a group of ‘ridges’. Through inspection of the locations, cross-sectional shape of these ridges by a 3D scanning electron microscope, the virtual cutting edge of the diamond tool under fracture wear is built up. A mathematical model was established to predict the virtual cutting edge with two geometric elements: semi-circle and isosceles triangle used to approximate the cross-sectional shape of ridges. Since the theoretical prediction of cutting edge profile concurs with the inspected one, the proposed tool wear monitoring method is found to be effective.     

刀具嵌入镍铬合金薄膜微传感器切削力测量的研究

切削力的测量旨在改进和提高切削加工性能。本文设计和制备了一种镍铬合金薄膜微传感器,将其焊接嵌入刀具的刀杆上以测量加工中的切削力。该传感器由Ti6A14V钛合金基体、镍铬合金薄膜层及氧化铝绝缘层组成。切削力引起的薄膜变形使四个电阻栅组成的惠斯通电桥产生输出电压,对其输入和输出电压之间的关系进行了理论分析。构建了切削力测量系统。研究结果表明,该薄膜传感器具有良好的线性度和更小的相互干扰,适合于各种条件下车削力的测量。     

An instantaneous cutting force model for disc mill cutter based on the machining blisk-tunnel of aero-engine

The fast tool servo (FTS) system is widely used for micro-structure manufacturing by diamond turning. Conventional FTS had been generally researched regarding the front/back-axial swing direction. However, development of more complex machining technology is demanded for the FTS. In this paper, we developed a right/left-horizontal swing FTS (HFTS) and analyzed its characteristics with various hinge structures. Flexure hinge structures were designed four types, considering the influence of mass and the number of hinges. Also, to compare the difference in machining performance with hinge structure, we compared the results of a machined microwave pattern on a Ni-coated steel roll mold. Comparing the machining results, the influence of mass was minor; however, machining performance varied with the number of fixed hinges. Having two fixed hinges was not suitable for precision machining due to strong over-constraint conditions. Thus, a single-hinge HFTS provides the appropriate hinge structure for precision machining of a roll mold.     

Development of in situ system to monitor the machining process using a piezo load cell

The measurement of cutting force is one of the most frequently used techniques for monitoring machining processes. Its widespread application ranges from tool condition identification, feedback control and cutting system design to process optimization.This paper suggests another system for measuring cutting force in milling processes. Generally, tool dynamometers are taken into account for the most appropriate cutting force measuring tool in the analysis of a cutting mechanism. However, high prices and limited working space make in situ systems difficult for a controllable milling process. Although an alternative suggestion is to use an AC current from a servomotor, it is unsuitable for cutting force monitoring because of a small upper frequency limit and noise.The suggested cutting force measuring system is composed of two piezo load cells placed between the moving table bracket and the nut flange of the ball screw. It has many advantages, such as lower cost and a wider measurement range than the tool dynamometer, over using the built-in feeding system and the low-cost piezo load cell for applying a conventional machining center.This paper focuses on the performance test of a newly developed measuring system. By comparing the cutting force between the tool dynamometer and the system developed from a series of end milling experiments, the accuracy of the cutting force measurement system was verified. Linearity, transverse sensitivity and the upper frequency limit of the system were verified by experiment.     

Cutting force and diamond tool wear in stone machining

Stone machining by diamond tool is a widespread process to manufacture both standard products, such as tiles, slabs, kerbs, and so on, and design shapes. Cutting force and energy may be used to monitor stone machining. Empirical models are required to guide the selection of cutting conditions. In this paper, the effects of cutting conditions on cutting force and cutting energy are related to the shape of the idealized chip thickness. These effects are put into relationship with the diamond tool wear too. The empirical models developed in this paper can be used to predict the variation of the cutting energy. Therefore these models can be used to guide the selection of cutting conditions and to predict when it is needed to change the tool. The chip generation and removal process has been quantified with the intention of assisting both the toolmaker and the stonemason in optimizing the tool composition and cutting process parameters, respectively.     

Monitoring of abrasive water jet (AWJ) cutting using sound detection

Our main objective in the present work is to develop a methodology and create a system for the abrasive water jet (AWJ) machining process control. In the case of AWJ cutting, besides the cutting head traverse rate, the distance between the mixing tube and the workpiece, designated as the stand-off distance, has a predominant influence on the workpiece quality. The control of the traverse rate is performed by the machine controller. The stand off-distance control during the machining represents a problem because no effective on-line in real-time stand-off distance detection system has been developed yet. The detection of the stand-off distance during cutting enables better AWJ machining process control. order to monitor the stand-off distance, we measure the emitted sound generated during the AWJ straight cut operation and analyse its characteristic attributes. In order to verify the proposed stand-off distance monitoring methods, a set of experiments was carried out. The signal analysis was performed in both time and frequency domain. The obtained results show an evident influence of the stand-off distance on sound emission. Thus, efficient control of the AWJ cutting process through sound detection appears to be viable.     

Smart Cutting Tools and Smart Machining: Development Approaches,and Their Implementation and Application Perspectives

Smart machining has tremendous potential and is becoming one of new generation high value precision manufacturing technologies in line with the advance of Industry 4.0 concepts. This paper presents some innovative design concepts and, in particular, the development of four types of smart cutting tools, including a force-based smart cutting tool, a temperature-based internally-cooled cutting tool, a fast tool servo (FTS) and smart collets for ultraprecision and micro manufacturing purposes. Implementation and application perspectives of these smart cutting tools are explored and discussed particularly for smart machining against a number of industrial application requirements. They are contamination-free machining, machining of tool-wear-prone Si-based infra-red devices and medical applications, high speed micro milling and micro drilling, etc. Furthermore, implementation techniques are presented focusing on: (a) plug-and-produce design principle and the associated smart control algorithms, (b) piezoelectric film and surface acoustic wave transducers to measure cutting forces in process, (c) critical cutting temperature control in real-time machining, (d) in-process calibration through machining trials, (e) FE-based design and analysis of smart cutting tools, and (f) application exemplars on adaptive smart machining.