Cutting-tool wear characterization by means of conoscopic holography

The ability of Conoscopic Holography (CH) to provide accurate digitizing of tool wear is analysed in this work. Firstly, test have been conducted to check out the performance of the sensor when digitizing inserts without chip breaker geometry, which have been artificially worn using electro-discharge machining (EDM). A methodology for determining the number of digitizing orientations has been also developed, in order to achieve best results in surface reconstruction. Secondly, digitizing tests have been carried upon inserts with chip breaker geometry and different grades of wear. Results support the use of CH.