Apparatus and method for controlling the machining of workpieces using piezoceramic transducers

A material-removing cutting tool comprising:

• a carrier which carries at least one cutting element, the cutting tool being mounted in a tool holder or bearing of a machine tool and the machine tool being equipped with a device for controlling the machining of workpieces, wherein that piezoceramic transducers are provided, in that these transducers are arranged at least one location on the cutting tool or on its bearing arrangement, at which location at least one component of the cutting force arising during the machining acts on the cutting tool, in that the transducers are connected to the control device of the machine tool and in that the signals generated in the transducers as a result of the action of forces and evaluated by the control device can be used for controlling the machining of the workpieces.

A method for controlling the machining of workpieces on machine tools with cutting tools which carry at least one cutting element on a carrier and are mounted in a tool holder or bearing of a machine tool, the machining being controlled with a control device, wherein piezoceramic transducers are arranged at least one location on the cutting tool or on its bearing arrangement, at which location at least one component of the cutting force arising during the machining acts on the cutting tool, in that the force components of the cutting force act on the transducers, in that the signals generated by the action of forces on the transducers are transmitted to the control device and in that the machining of the workpieces is controlled while taking account of these signals.