Smart tools for future cutting processes

Advances in the field of hard coating and microsystem technology have been the basis for the realization of smart machine tools for the cutting industry. The novel tools enable on-line control of cutting conditions measured directly at the cutting edges of inserts used for turning processes of steel and other materials. To achieve this, special thin film sensors for temperature, wear and tool breakage measurement were integrated into the hard coating system of cutting inserts. The electrical power supply of the sensors and the transfer of the signals were performed by use of telemtric MST techniques. Due to the very fast response time of the nano sensor layers and the direct control of the critical wear zone, novel steering methods for tomorrows's cutting processes will possibly be feasible in future