Design, construction and evaluation of a dynamometer to measure the cutting force components in turning operation
Turning, Dynamometer, Cutting force, Instrumentation.
Machining is a mechanical manufacturing process that plays an important role in the industry, with the turning operation as one of its protagonists. Thus, it is extremely important to perform studies that helps to understand and, consequently, optimize it. In this context, to knowledge the cutting force components in turning is essential in defining the best parameters to increase the productivity and reduce the costs. In this context, the measurement of cutting force components through the use of piezoelectric dynamometers has been widely used. However, such equipment has a high acquisition value, which often becomes prohibitive for many research laboratories. Thus, this work presents the proposal of a dynamometer able to measure the components of the cutting force in turning, through the use of single point load cells with strain gauge transducers, which are usually cheaper than piezoelectric load cells. The designed and constructed instrument was statically calibrated using standard masses. Furthermore, its linearity, hysteresis, repeatability, cross-sensitivity and natural frequency characteristics were raised. Finally, face-turning tests were performed under different cutting conditions to evaluate the instrument's functionality and the force values obtained were compared with the force values measured by a commercial dynamometer under the same machining conditions.