The state of a cutting tool is an important factor in any metal cutting process as additional costs in terms of scrapped components, machine tool breakage and unscheduled downtime result from worn tool usage. Several methods to develop monitoring devices for observing the wear levels on the cutting tool on-line while engaged in cutting have been attempted. This paper presents a review of some of the methods that have been employed in tool condition monitoring. Particular attention is paid to the manner in which sensor signals from the cutting process have been harnessed and used in the development of tool condition monitoring systems (TCMSs).

Sensor signals for tool-wear monitoring in metal cutting operations—a review of methods

Cutting temperature: prediction and measurement methods—a review

A reconfigurable manufacturing system (RMS) is designed for rapid adjustment of production capacity and functionality in response to new market conditions and new process technology. It has several distinct characteristics including modularity, integrability, customisation, convertibility and diagnosability. There are a number of key interrelated technologies that should be developed and implemented to achieve these characteristics. This paper examines and identifies these technologies. After a brief description of the RMSs and their goals, aspects of reconfiguration (reconfigurable system, software, controller, machine, and process) are explained; this provides one with a better understanding of the enabling technologies of RMSs. Some of the issues related to the technology requirements of RMSs at the system and machine design levels, and ramp -up time reduction are then explained. The paper concludes with descriptions of some of the future research directions for RMSs.

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Reconfigurable manufacturing systems and their enabling technologies

http://astakhov.tripod.com/MC/FEA1976-1996.pdf

Finite-element analysis and simulation of machining: a bibliography (1976–1996)

Application of conventional cutting fluids do not serve the purposes effectively particularly under high cutting velocity and feed. Besides, such cutting fluids pollute the environment in high production machining and grinding. Cryogenic cooling seemed to be quite effective in reducing the high cutting temperature which impairs product quality and reduces tool life. The present work deals with investigating the role of cryogenic cooling by liquid nitrogen jet on cutting temperature in turning plain carbon steel (C-40) under varying cutting velocity and feed. The experimental and computational results indicate that such cryogenic cooling enables substantial reduction in the cutting temperature depending upon the levels of the cutting velocity and feed and the cutting tool geometry. It was also noted that the chip formation and chip-tool interaction become more favorable and the cutting forces decreased to some extent when liquid nitrogen jet was employed. Therefore, it appears that cryogenic cooling, if properly employed, not only provides environment friendliness but can also improve the machinability characteristics.

J. G. Chow

Papers

On-Line Estimation of Tool/Chip Interface Temperatures for a Turning Operation

Finite Element Analysis of Engine Bore Distortions During Boring Operation