On-Line Monitoring of Cutting Tool Fracture & Wear

A technique of detecting cutting tool fracture and ultimate wear by si-multaneously monitoring both the spindle motor current and cutting process related acoustic emission(AE)in the cutting process is reported.The technique can detect breakage of drills having diameter over 0.8mm,turning cutter crack of area over 0.2mm,and the ultimate wear.The principle,system construction,experimental method and result of the technique are discussed.The ratio of success in detection approaches 96% or higher.