Abstract

This investigation concerns with the metal chip size monitoring method in deep-hole machining process. Monitoring and control of the chip size and shape is very important in deep-hole machining because a visual monitoring is obstructed by hidden chip passages. Yet, for the process, any chip size which may result in passages clogging will result in a failure of machining process. In this manufacturing process monitoring system, the three principal components for chip status monitoring have been investigated: the sensing chip concentration, the signal processing, and the classification (decision making). A new sensing system and monitoring method have been investigated and proposed for use. An inductive proximity sensor was selected and used for data acquisition (sensing), and a personal computer utilized for signal processing. As a monitoring method, the expert system of deep-hole machining control has been suggested for decision making based on the sensing system signal. The experimental testing has revealed that the sensing system signal is strong enough to be used for the machine tool control.