Device and method for monitoring collisions of a machine component with a workpiece or another machine component

A device and a method for monitoring collisions between a machine component and a workpiece or another machine component in a machine tool production machine are disclosed. At least one distance sensor is disposed on or in the immediate vicinity of the monitored machine component, whereby the distance sensor generates a distance signal when a tool or another machine component enters the sensor region. The distance signal is transmitted to a machine controller that computes a distance and initiates suitable countermeasures if the distance is outside a permissible range or is otherwise implausible. The device and method are therefore capable of preventatively and reliably detecting a potential collision or the lack of a collision between a machine component and a workpiece or another machine component and initiate appropriate countermeasures.