Tool life control method based on disturbance load torque of motor

Abstract

A method for estimating a load acting on a machine tool and controlling a life of the machine tool based on the estimated load. When predetermined machining is effected on a predetermined workpiece, a disturbance load torque acting on a motor for a spindle or a motor for a feed shaft is estimated by a disturbance estimating observer. When the estimated disturbance load becomes not lower than a set reference value, a timer is reset and started. If the estimated disturbance load torque is kept not smaller than the set reference value until the timer reaches a predetermined set time, a tool change command is issued to stop the machining. Since the tool life is determined in accordance with the magnitude of the load acting on the tool, the tool life is controlled objectively and accurately.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.