Real-Time Prediction of Workpiece Errors for a CNC Turning Centre, Part 3. Cutting Force Estimation Using Current Sensors

This paper presents a new method for measurement of cutting force using reliable and inexpensive current sensors. The relationship between the various factors which affect the performance of the spindle and feed drive systems are analysed, together with models of the spindle and feed drive system. The tangential (Ft) and axial cutting forces (Fa) are measured, using a neuro-fuzzy technique, with inexpensive current sensors installed on the a.c. servomotors of a CNC turning centre. The normal cutting pressure (Kn) and effective friction coefficient (Kf ) are calculated using the model of the cutting force and the two cutting forces measured by motor current, then the radial cutting force (Fr) can be calculated based on the model of cutting force. Experimental results show that the method can measure tangential, axial and radial cutting forces within errors of 10%, 5% and 25%, respectively, so the need for controlling or monitoring the cutting processes can be met in practice.