Research on Spindle and Machining Process Monitoring for Intelligent Machine Tools(Advanced machine tool)

Abstract

This paper describes a monitoring method of the cutting forces for end milling process by using displacement sensors. Four eddy-current displacement sensors are installed on the spindle housing of a machining center so that they can detect the radial motion of the rotating spindle. Thermocouples are also attached to the spindle structure, and the stability of the displacement sensing is examined. The change in spindle stiffness due to the spindle temperature and the speed is investigated as well. Finally, monitoring results of small and medium scale cutting forces in end milling operations are shown as a case study.