Cutting Tests Definition for Effective Tool Condition Monitoring

In recent years, several tool condition monitoring systems for machining processes have been developed. However, standard solutions have not been found yet, basically due to the complexity of the tool wear mechanisms and the possibility to select among different alternatives in each step of their development. The main criticla points associated with the cutting tests definition have been analysed in this paper. The study has revealed the need for a mthodology of cutting test standardisation. The minimum set of elements that it should contain has been established.