A novel dynamometer for monitoring milling process

Cutting force measurement is an essential requirement in tool condition monitoring and offer an important indicator to design machine tools, optimize machining processes. In this paper, a novel cutting force dynamometer for measuring axial force and torque in milling is proposed. The new type sensing element has been developed to enhance the sensitivity of the dynamometer meanwhile to maintain enough rigidity. The device is based on semiconductor strain gauge that measures the deformation of lantern-shape sensing element. In order to check the feasibility of the proposed dynamometer, a static calibration and modal impact test were carried out, and the performance of device installed on a milling machine has been tested under different cutting conditions. The results show that the dynamometer has a high performance and could be used as an instrument for monitoring machining process.