Three-axial cutting force measurement in micro/nano-cutting by utilizing a fast tool servo with a smart tool holder

Abstract Cutting force is a significant indicator for in-process monitoring of cutting status. Although dynamometers are widely used in cutting force measurement, they are not suitable for nano-cutting due to insufficient sensitivities and low integrating possibilities. This paper presents a smart tool holder composed by piezoelectric ceramics and a flexible hinge, which could be integrated with a fast tool servo (FTS), for three-axial cutting force measurements in micro/nano-cutting. An algorithm was developed for enabling its quasi-static force measurement. Experiments were performed to verify the capabilities of cutting force measurement, demonstrating a high measurement sensitivity for indicating the micro/nano-cutting status.