PVDF sensor based characterization of chip segmentation in cutting of Ti-6Al-4V alloy

This paper presents a study of chip segmentation in orthogonal cutting of Ti-6Al-4V alloy using a low-cost high fidelity measurement system consisting of a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) thin film piezoelectric dynamic strain sensor. The sensor is shown to be capable of measuring the chip segmentation frequency over a range of cutting conditions. In addition, the sensor is used to characterize the effect of tool wear on chip segmentation frequency and amplitude. Results show that the segmentation frequency increases while the segmentation amplitude decreases with tool wear. Physical reasons for the observed trends are given.