Micro-end-milling-III. Wear estimation and tool breakage detection using acoustic emission signals

Acoustic Emission (AE) signals have been used to monitor tool condition in conventional machining operations. In this paper, new procedures are proposed to detect tool breakage and to estimate tool condition (wear) by using AE. The proposed procedure filters the AE signals with a narrow band-width, band-pass filter and obtains the upper envelope of the harmonic signal by using analog hardware. The envelope is digitized, encoded and classified to monitor the machining operation. The characteristics of the envelope of the AE were evaluated to detect tool breakage. The encoded parameters of the envelope of the AE signals were classified by using the Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART2) and Abductory Induction Mechanism (AIM) to estimate wear. The proposed tool breakage and wear estimation techniques were tested on the experimental data. Both methods were found to be acceptable. However, the reliability of the tool breakage detection system was higher than the wear estimation method.     

Micro-end-milling-I. Wear and breakage

Unpredictable tool life and premature tool failure are major problems in micro-machining. In this study, the failure mechanisms of micro-end-mills were studied during the machining of aluminum, graphite electrodes and mild steel workpieces. Hundreds of machining operations were performed, and the pictures of cutting edges were taken with a scanning electron microscope to identify fatigue and extensive stress-related failure mechanisms. Also, the cutting force variation was monitored, i.e. the relationship between the utilization-related changes at the tool structure (wear), and the outcomes (increasing cutting force which means raising stress on the tiny shaft). Inspection of the cutting force variation patterns of large numbers of micro-end-mills indicated that tool failure occurs with chip clogging, fatigue and wear-related excessive stress depending on the characteristics of the workpiece. Two tool breakage prediction methods were developed by considering the variation of the static part of the feed direction cutting force. These methods used segmental averages and wavelet transformation coefficients. The accuracy of the proposed approaches were tested with experimental data and the agreement between the predictions and actual observations are reported.     

Dynamic analysis of runout correction in milling

Tool runout and its effects is an important area of research within modelling, simulation, and control of milling forces. Tool runout causes tool cutting edges to experience uneven forces during milling. This fact also affects tool life and deteriorates workpiece surface quality. In this article a procedure, in order to diminish the effects of tool runout, is presented. The procedure is based on chip thickness modification by means of the fast correction of the tool feed rate. Dynamic feed rate modification is provided by superposing our own design of a fast feed system driven by a piezoelectric actuator to the conventional feed drive of the CNC machine tool. Previously, a model of the dynamic behaviour of the system was developed to analyze the influence of fast feed rate modification on cutting forces. The model incorporates the piezoelectric actuator response as well as the structural dynamics of the tool and the designed Fast Feed Drive System (FFDS). Simulated and experimental results presented in this paper show the effectiveness and benefits of this new tool runout correction procedure.     

变进给高效铣削阻燃钛合金的机理研究

主要采用变进给试验法,开展了正弦变进给高效铣削Ti40阻燃钛合金试验和理论研究。建立了正弦变进给变化幅度、变化周期及进给步持续时间与刀具耐用度的关系模型,并对模型参数进行优化,结果表明：当进给变化幅度为11.72%,变化周期为120s,进给步持续时间为5s时,刀具耐用度相比传统铣削,增长幅度最高可达33%。变进给铣削Ti40阻燃钛合金改变了刀具磨损的形态和机理,主要表现是增大前刀面与切屑的接触面积,改变月牙洼磨损的位置,同时减小月牙洼磨损的深度和磨损速率,增强铣削中刀具切削刃强度,从而提高了刀具耐用度。     

Adaptive turning force control with optimal robustness and constrained feed rate

In rough cutting operations, the typical economic objective is to maximize the metal removal rate by the highest possible feed rate under the constraint of tool breakage. This type of control strategy is called adaptive constraint control. However, the strategy has a poor industrial acceptance record because of the potential problems of controller instability and tool breakage resulting from the sudden change of cutting depth or spindle speed. In this paper, an adaptive turning force controller that has optimal robustness under the constraint of feed rate is presented. The experimental results for the sudden change of cutting depth are demonstrated. The proposed controller may be a promising method for the industrial application of turning force control.     

ACE coat™ AC15 alumina-coated cutting tool for highly efficient machining

Recent changes in the world economy and industry's rapid shift to varied, small-quantity production demands cutting tools with even higher efficiencies. Conventionally, the efficiency of cutting tools has been improved chiefly by increasing the cutting speed. However, since high cutting speed significantly shortens tool life, there arises an increasing interest in high feed rate machining. In answer to this trend the AC15 alumina-coated cutting tool has been introduced, which is capable of high feed rate machining. It uses a newly-developed substrate with a functional gradient composition, which allows the tool to have a significantly improved breakage resistance while maintaining plastic deformation resistance. In addition, the alumina-coated tool tip assures high wear resistance at high feed rates. The AC15 is a highly versatile tool designed for use in every conceivable situation of steel machining. The chip breaker (bumpy sun breaker) was developed, taking full advantage of the characteristics of the AC15, and is intended to provide a new environment for cutting tool applications.     

Feedrate optimization for freeform milling considering constraints from the feed drive system and process mechanics

This paper presents a new and comprehensive strategy for planning minimum cycle time tool trajectories subject to both machining process related constraints, and also limitations of the feed drive control system. The machining process is considered by computing the workpiece-tool engagement along the toolpath and setting local feed limits to maintain a specified resultant cutting force. The drive constraints are considered by limiting the velocity, acceleration, and jerk magnitudes commanded to each actuator. Feed profiling is realized with uninterrupted acceleration transitions, capable of spanning multiple toolpath segments. Effectiveness of the proposed strategy is demonstrated in sculptured surface machining experiments.     

Fuzzy control of feed rate in end milling operations

In order to improve productivity in end milling operations, a new adaptive control system based on fuzzy logics to maintain a constant cutting force is developed. It is shown, by experimental cutting tests, that the cutting tool travels in the air cut with fast feed rate, yet in the varying depths of cut, the tool travels with an adjustable feed rate to prevent the occurrence of tool breakage and maintain a high metal removal rate.     

Discrete wavelet transform for tool breakage monitoring

Detection of tool breakage is of vital importance in automated manufacturing. Various methods have been attempted, and it is considered that the use of discrete wavelet transform (DWT), which is much more efficient and just as accurate wavelet analysis, may provide a realistic solution to the detection of tool breakage in operation. The DWT uses an analyzing wavelet function which is localized in both time and frequency to detect a small change in the input signals. In addition, it requires less computation than Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT). This paper discusses a tool breakage monitoring system based on DWT of an acoustic emission (AE) and an electric feed current signal using an effective algorithm. The experiment results show overall 98.5% reliability and the good real-time monitoring capability of the proposed methodology for detecting tool breakage during drilling.     

Improving Cycle Time in Sculptured Surface Machining Through Force Modeling

In this paper, an enhanced mathematical model is presented for the prediction of cutting force system in ball end milling of sculptured surfaces. This force model is also used as the basis for off-line feed rate scheduling along the tool path in order to decrease the cycle time in sculptured surface machining. As an alternative for setting a constant feed rate all along the tool path in rough machining of sculptured surfaces, resultant cutting forces are aimed to be kept under a pre-set threshold value along the tool path by off-line scheduled piecewise variable feed rates. In this paper, it is shown that machining time, depending on complexity of sculptured surfaces, can be decreased significantly by scheduling feed rate along the tool path. The model is tested under various cutting conditions and some of the results are also presented and discussed in the paper.     

On-line detection of the breakage of small diameter drills using current signature wavelet transform

This paper presents on-line tool breakage detection of small diameter drills by monitoring the AC servo motor current. The continuous wavelet transform was used to decompose the spindle AC servo motor current signal and the discrete wavelet transform was used to decompose the feed AC servo motor current signal in time–frequency domain. The tool breakage features were extracted from the decomposed signals. Experimental results show that the proposed monitoring system possessed an excellent on-line capability; in addition, it had a low sensitivity to change of the cutting conditions and high success rate for the detection of the breakage of small diameter drills.     

Optimization of cutting parameters for maximizing tool life

Optimum use of the cutting tool is a growing need in modern industries since the cost of production is directly affected by this. This paper presents a new approach for improving the cutting tool life by using optimal values of velocity and feed throughout the cutting process. A tool life equation has been established from experimental data and the adhesion wear model. Optimization techniques have been used to maximize the tool life subject to practical constraints while maintaining a constant metal removal rate. The experimental results showed an improvement in tool life by 30%.     

Model for surface topography prediction in peripheral milling considering tool vibration

This paper presents a model for the prediction of surface topography in peripheral milling operations taking into account that the tool vibrates during the cutting process. The model includes the effect of tool vibrations in the equations of the cutting edge paths, which are transformed into equivalent polynomial equations and solved for discrete positions along the feed direction by applying a standard root finder. Through this procedure, surface topography generation is simplified with respect to other models in literature. The model allows the topography, the roughness values and the form errors of the milled surface to be predicted. Cutting test results show good agreement with model predictions.     

基于NC程序的重型数控铣齿机床能耗预测

准确预测重型数控铣齿机床的能耗是制造过程节能降耗的理论基础。以重型数控高速铣齿机为研究对象，提出基于NC程序的能耗预测方法。分析数控机床耗能部件的能耗特征，并按能耗特征进行部件分类；建立各部件能耗模型，并提出齿轮成形铣齿的材料去除率计算方法；最后，开发重型齿轮铣削加工能耗预测程序。在2台不同型号重型数控铣齿机上的试验表明预测方法的预测精度在95%以上，方法可行；此外，分别提高10%进给速度在实验的2台高速铣齿机上，其分别节能7.52%和4.25%，结果表明重型机床规格越大，节能潜力越大。     

New observations on tool life, cutting forces and chip morphology in cryogenic machining Ti-6Al-4V

The use of cryogenic coolant in metal cutting has received renewed recent attention because liquid nitrogen is a safe, clean, non-toxic coolant that requires no expensive disposal and can substantially improve tool life. This work investigates the effectiveness of cryogenic coolant during turning of Ti-6Al-4V at a constant speed and material removal rate (125 m/min, 48.5 cm³/min) with different combinations of feed rate and depth of cut. It is found that the greatest improvement in tool life using cryogenic coolant occurs for conditions of high feed rate and low depth of cut combinations. However, this combination of machining parameters produces much shorter tool life compared to low feed rate and high depth of cut combinations. It is found that preventing heat generation during cutting is far more advantageous towards extending tool life rather than attempting to remove the heat with cryogenic coolant. Although cryogenic coolant is effective in extracting heat from the cutting zone, it is proposed that cryogenic coolant may limit the frictional heat generated during cutting and limit heat transfer to the tool by reducing the tool-chip contact length. The effect of cryogenic coolant on cutting forces and chip morphology is also examined.     

小直径磨棒磨削加工TiC颗粒增强钢基复合材料GT35

为探究TiC颗粒增强钢基复合材料GT35合理的加工参数和冷却润滑条件,研究其对切削力、表面质量及刀具磨损的影响规律,采用小直径磨棒以侧面磨削方式开展试验。结果表明：干磨削会引起磨棒烧伤,极压磨削油的润滑效果优于水基合成磨削液的;磨棒在极压磨削油润滑下,磨削工件12 min后进入稳定磨损状态,其主要磨损形式为磨粒破碎、磨粒磨耗和磨粒脱落;主轴转速对切削力的影响大于进给速度的,且转速越高,切削力越小;工件表面粗糙度主要与磨棒磨粒出露高度的平整度有关,受加工参数的影响较小。用小直径磨棒磨削加工GT35材料时,应选择极压磨削油润滑,高主轴转速、中速进给的加工方式,以获得良好的刀具寿命、工件加工表面质量及适当的加工效率。     

Flute breakage detection during end milling using Hilbert–Huang transform and smoothed nonlinear energy operator

Real time tool condition monitoring has great significance in modern manufacturing processes. In order to prevent possible damages to the workpiece or the machine tool, reliable monitoring techniques are required to provide fast response to the unexpected tool failure. Milling is one of the most fundamental machining operations. During the milling process, the current of feed motor is weakly related to the cutter condition, the change of power consumption is not significant to identify tool condition. Thus, current of motor-based tool condition still requires some new approaches to sort out significant pattern that could be employed to indicate tool condition. In this paper, a new approach is proposed to detect end mill flute breakage via the feed-motor current signals, which implements Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) analysis and a smoothed nonlinear energy operator (SNEO) to extract the crucial characteristics from the measured signals to indicate tool breakage. Experiments on a CNC Vertical Machining Centre are presented to show the algorithm performance. The results show that this method is feasible and can accurately and efficiently monitor the conditions of the end mill under varying cutting conditions.     

The shape characteristic detection of tool breakage in milling operations

Detection of tool failure is very important in automated manufacturing. All previously developed tool breakage detection approaches in milling operations have adopted the strategy of parameter detection in which the detection of tool breakage was carried out according to values of specific parameters selected to reflect tool state (with or without tool breakage). In this paper the new concept of shape characteristic detection of tool breakage in milling operations is proposed. The detection of tool breakage is conducted according to the shape characteristics of discrete dyadic wavelet decomposition of cutting force. By means of the proposed method, the influence caused by the variation of cutting parameters and transients is eliminated. The proposed method is conducted in two steps. In the first step, cutting force signals are decomposed by discrete dyadic wavelet, with the shape characteristic vectors then being generated by the proposed shape characteristic vector-generating algorithm. In the second step, the shape characteristic vectors are fast classified by the ART2 neural networks. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified by numerous experiments.     

Virtual High Performance Milling

The goal of future manufacturing is to design, test and manufacture parts in a virtual environment before they are manufactured on the shop floor. This paper presents a generalized process simulation and optimization strategy for 2 1/2 axis milling operations to increase Material Removal Rate (MRR) while avoiding machining errors. The process is optimized at two stages. Optimal spindle speed, radial and axial depth of cut are recommended to process planner by considering the chatter, and spindle's torque/power limits. The cutter-part engagement conditions are extracted from CAD system by geometrically processing the NC program and part geometry. Long tool path segments are broken into smaller segments whenever the geometry varies. The spindle speed and feed fields of the NC program are automatically optimized by constraining maximum torque, power, tool deflection and chip load set by the user. The acceleration and speed limits of the machine tool feed drives are considered to prevent frequent variations of the feed unnecessarily. The optimization is experimentally verified by milling a helicopter gear box cover on a high speed, horizontal machining centre.     

An overview of approaches to end milling tool monitoring

The increase in awareness regarding the need to optimise manufacturing process efficiency has led to a great deal of research aimed at machine tool condition monitoring. This paper considers the application of condition monitoring techniques to the detection of cutting tool wear and breakage during the milling process. Established approaches to the problem are considered and their application to the next generation of monitoring systems is discussed. Two approaches are identified as being key to the industrial application of operational tool monitoring systems.Multiple sensor systems, which use a wide range of sensors with an increasing level of intelligence, are seen as providing long-term benefits, particularly in the field of tool wear monitoring. Such systems are being developed by a number of researchers in this area. The second approach integrates the control signals used by the machine controller into a process monitoring system which is capable of detecting tool breakage. Initial findings mainly under laboratory conditions, indicate that both these approaches can be of major benefit. It is finally argued that a combination of these approaches will ultimately lead to robust systems which can operate in an industrial environment.