Determining cutting tool dimensions and run-out using acoustic emissions
AssigneeIngersoll Machine Tools, Inc.
InventorsKeith Bourne, Richard DeVor, Shiv Kapoor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and method are provided for inputting parameters relating to a cutting tool and the surface of a work piece to an automated machining center, through use of acoustic emissions generated when a cutting tool is brought into contact with a work piece and/or a reference surface.
Claims18
An apparatus, for inputting parameters relating to a cutting tool and a surface of a work piece to an automated machining center, the apparatus comprising, an element for detecting acoustic emissions generated when the cutting tool is brought into contact with the work piece and/or a reference surface, and an element for determining one or more of the parameters from the detected acoustic emissions.
A method for inputting parameters relating to a cutting tool and the surface of a work piece to an automated machining center, the method comprising determining one or more of the parameters from acoustic emissions (AE) generated when the cutting tool is brought into contact with the work piece and/or a reference surface.
A method for determining a parameter relating to one or both of a cutting tool and the surface of a work piece, wherein both the cutting tool and the work piece are attached to an automated machining apparatus having a machine drive for monitoring and controlling a relative position of a cutting tool with respect to the work piece, the method comprising:
- monitoring positions of the cutting tool, while utilizing the machine drive for bringing the cutting tool into initial contact with surface of the work piece;
- detecting a threshold value of acoustic emissions (AE) generated by the initial contact between the tool and the surface of the work piece;
- recording the position of the tool when the threshold value of AE is detected, to thereby indicate initial contact between the tool and the surface of the work piece;
- and
- computing the parameter relating to one or both of the cutting tool and the surface of the work piece from the position of the tool recorded when the threshold value of AE was detected.
An apparatus for determining a parameter relating to one or both of a cutting tool and the surface of a work piece, wherein both the cutting tool and the work piece are attached to an automated machining apparatus having a machine drive for monitoring and controlling a relative position of a cutting tool with respect to the work piece, the apparatus comprising, a touch-off acoustic emission (AE) detection-based control arrangement including a CNC controller, an AE sensor for generating a output signal, and a threshold detector for receiving the output signal of the sensor and providing a threshold signal to the CNC controller, the AE detection-based control arrangement being configured for:
- monitoring positions of the cutting tool, while utilizing the machine drive for bringing the cutting tool into initial contact with surface of the work piece;
- detecting a threshold value of acoustic emissions (AE) generated by the initial contact between the tool and the surface of the work piece;
- recording the position of the tool when the threshold value of AE is detected, to thereby indicate initial contact between the tool and the surface of the work piece;
- and
- computing the parameter relating to one or both of the cutting tool and the surface of the work piece from the position of the tool recorded when the threshold value of AE was detected.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.