A Low Cost Wireless Tool Tip Vibration Sensor for Milling

A low cost, wireless vibration sensor system has been developed for noninvasive integration into commercial end milling tool holders. Electret based accelerometers are used as the sensors and a Bluetooth compatible digital transmitter is used as the sensor interface. The use of mass market consumer electronic components is low cost and plug and play with modern PC hardware. Two prototypes were built and, in both cases, were able to collect good quality data at high sampling rates. The objective of the research is to enable accurate observation of NC metal cutting system dynamics. Initial results indicate the system can be used to estimate tool runout and detect the onset of regenerative chatter, prior to workpiece damage.