Tool-life determination device

A tool-life determination device comprising:

• a test-workpiece supporter that can support a test workpiece;
• a load sensor that is disposed between the test-workpiece supporter and a base of a working machine and that can detect a load acting on the test workpiece when the test workpiece is processed using a cutting tool of the working machine;
• a storage unit that stores a load pattern acting on the test workpiece and detected by the load sensor when the test workpiece is processed using a new cutting tool;
• and
• a determination unit that determines an abrasion status of the cutting tool or a possibility that the cutting tool may break by obtaining a reference abrasion value and a reference breakage value based on the load pattern stored in the storage unit, and comparing the reference abrasion value and the reference breakage value with the load acting on the test workpiece and detected by the load sensor at an appropriate timing during an actual process performed on a workpiece;
• wherein
• the determination unit outputs a determination result indicating an excessive abrasion status of the cutting tool if the load acting on the test workpiece is higher than the reference abrasion value and lower than the reference breakage value, and outputs a processing operation end command if the load acting on the test workpiece is higher than the reference breakage value.