Methodology of Cutting Tool Edge Replacement in Machining Processes

ABSTRACT – Its is well known, in Industrial environment, the lack of technical support to help the operator of the machine tool to decide the correct moment for replacing the tool edge. This decision is taking on bases of his own experience or fee-ling. Nowadays even with a progress in the Monitoring Systems it is very difficult to cover all kinds of tool edge failure in practical situations. This work proposes a methodology where tool edge replacement criterion based on the number of machined pieces or cutting length shows to be true and very helpful. The monitoring system based on cutting force and main power sensors, was used only for safety situations, and another kind of sensor could be used too. The tool life crite-rion is independent of the monitoring system, and could be easily applied on industrial environmental