CNC add-on sensor system and method for real-time detection of tool anomalies

A system and method for determining the operating conditions a machining operation includes a sensor array, a data acquisition system, and a computing device. The sensor array includes one or more sensors, such as a power, force, acoustic, fluid, or displacement sensor, configured to detect certain operational characteristics of the machining operating and machining tool. The sensor array is coupled to a computing device via a data acquisition system. The computing device runs software that outputs in human-readable format sensor data generated by the data acquisition system. The user can thereby detect anomalies in the machining operating, including errors or poor tolerances with the machining tool, such as a grinding of polishing wheel. The computing device can also send feedback signals to the machining tool to address detected anomalies. The computer software is configured to output up to eight (8) channels of data received from the sensor array.