Cutting machine comprising a force transducer, use of such a cutting machine and process of calibrating the force transducer of such a cutting machine

A cutting machine for the chip-removing machining of a workpiece, which chip-removing machining takes place in a chronological sequence of manufacturing steps by using several required tools, wherein in each manufacturing step a required tool can exert a tool force onto the workpiece in a force main direction, the cutting machine comprising:

• a tool holder configured for holding the required tools all at the same time, wherein the tool holder defines a plurality of recesses and at least one cavity:
• a plurality of signal lines introduced into the cavity and connected to the tool holder;
• wherein the tool holder includes at least two single-component force transducers;
• wherein each of the single-component force transducers is inserted into a respective one of the plurality of recesses;
• a tool slide configured for moving the tool holder so that one of the required tools can be aligned with a workpiece and the required tool and the workpiece can be moved with respect to each other for chip-removing machining in each manufacturing step;
• wherein each of the at least two single-component force transducers is configured to measure a tool force exerted by one of the required tools during the chip-removing machining of a workpiece in the force main direction;
• a signal socket connected to the tool holder;
• wherein each of the single-component force transducers is electrically connected to the signal socket via a respective one of the plurality of signal lines;
• wherein the tool holder includes a first fastening means and a second fastening means;
• wherein the tool holder is fastened to the tool slide via the first fastening means and via the second fastening means;
• and
• wherein the first fastening means, by fastening the tool holder to the tool slide, mechanically biases the single-component force transducers inserted into the plurality of recesses.

A method for calibrating single-component force transducers of a cutting machine that includes a calibration force transducer, a tool holder that holds at least a first required tool and a second required tool, and at least two single-component force transducers, the method comprising the following steps:

• disposing the first required tool in a first position relative to the at least two single-component force transducers;
• disposing the second required tool in a second position relative to the at least two single-component force transducers, wherein the first position is spaced apart from the second position;
• applying a calibration force to the first required tool and to the second required tool;
• measuring the calibration force by the at least two single-component force transducers and by the calibration force transducer;
• wherein the at least two single-component force transducers generate analog measurement signals for the measured calibration force;
• wherein analog calibration signals are generated by the calibration force transducer for the measured calibration force;
• converting the analog measurement signals into digital measurement signals;
• converting the analog calibration signals into digital calibration signals;
• summing the digital measurement signals to obtain a position-specifically averaged measurement signal pertaining to the first position and to the second position;
• comparing the position-specifically averaged measurement signal of the first position of the first required tool to a digital calibration signal of the first position of the first required tool to obtain a first calibration factor specific to the first position of the first required tool relative to the at least two single-component force transducers;
• and
• comparing the position-specifically averaged measurement signal of the second position of the second required tool to a digital calibration signal of the second position of the second required tool to obtain a second calibration factor specific to the position of the second required tool relative to the at least two single-component force transducers.