Mumbai University > Mechanical Engineering > Sem 4 > Production Process II

Marks: 4M

Cutting force can be measured by using force transducers, as well as tool dynameters which are mounted on the tool holder or the work holding device on the machine tool. Forces can also be calculated from the amount of power consumption during cutting, often measured by a power monitor, provided the mechanical efficiency of the machine tool can be determined.

A mechanical tool dynamometer which is shown in the figure measures tangential cutting force by measuring the deflection of the tool with a sensitive dial gauge. They are the most reliable sources of force measurement as mechanical efficiencies of the motor and machine are eliminated. It is either inserted between the work and the machine or the tool and the machine.

The important reasons for measuring the force are:

1) To estimate the various power required in a machine tool.

2) To estimate the forces acting on the tool, that must be resisted by the machine tool components, bearings etc..

3) To survey the characteristics of new work and tool material.