Random process analysis of component surface finish data is used to establish the 'fingerprint' of the machine tool condition when applied to a particular machining operation. Vibrations occurring during the machining process can be determined and the nature of the vibration isolated. It will be shown that for a turning operation it is possible to distinguish among types of error, such as, vibrations and errors causing radial movement of the cutting tool, variation in feed rate, vertical vibration of the cutter or component, or worn bearings. Existing methods used for condition monitoring involve the use of expensive vibration analysers with skilled personnel to assess the results and make a judgement of the machine tool capability. This means that a machine must be taken off line to be checked and hence cannot be continually assessed. Random process analysis of the surface texture produced on the component permits condition monitoring and assessment of machine capability to be made during production runs. The control parameters are not based on an arbitary judgement but on maintaining an acceptable quality of component according to its specification. This method effectively closes the control loop closely around the component. It modifies the control parameters to meet the required precision for the component and assesses if the machine capability is acceptable.

Date Published: 11 January 1987
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 0803, Micromachining of Elements with Optical and Other Submicrometer Dimensional and Surface Specifications, (11 January 1987); doi: 10.1117/12.941282

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 0803:
Micromachining of Elements with Optical and Other Submicrometer Dimensional and Surface Specifications
Manfred Weck, Editor(s)