Multiprocessor based machine tool monitoring system

The necessity to raise quality and production in the manufacturing processes has stimulated research in machine tools automation. Focus of this machining research has been in the development of unmanned machining systems where monitoring of their processes plays a very important role. The authors describe the monitoring system development based on proximity switches which check the geometry of the tools in an off-line process. Breakage and wear of the tools are also monitored by means of the spindle and feed motors current signals through instrumentation resistors. In order to detect any other abnormality related to the cutting process, temperature sensors are located on designated points of the most important elements and units of the machine tool