On-Machine Measurement of Cutting Tool Edge Profile by Detecting Fluorescence from Cutting Fluid

We propose a novel on-machine measurement method of the tool cutting edge profile by using cutting fluid adhered on the tool surface. In an environment of on-machine tool profile measurement, the profile is difficult to measure with the conventional optical method since a cutting fluid adhered on the tool surface interferes the measurement. To overcome this problem, we propose the profile measurement method by confocal fluorescent detection from the cutting fluid adhered the tool surface. To verify the fundamental validity of the principle, fluorescence from horizontal and vertical surface were detected with a developped fluorescent confocal microscope by using fluorescent dye and silicon wafer. Furthermore, a cutting edge profile of horizontal plane of milling tool with wear was measured with the proposed method using the fluorescent dye as the basic verification. From this result, it is found that the proposed method enables to measure the tool wear at the surface with the oil adhering slightly, however the measurement capability of the measurement might depend on the thickness of the oil.