Adaptive Control of Turning Processes applied to Nickel Base Superalloys

The detection and analysis of different types of sensor signals generated during turning of nickel base superalloys was performed in order to verify the possibility of in-process adaptive control and monitoring of turning process conditions using sensorial techniques. The influence of turning parameters variations on the sensor signal response is presented and discussed. Feed speed and cutting speed variations can be identified on the basis of sensor signal processing. Nevertheless, different sensor signals/parameters seem to display different sensitivities to the various sources during metal cutting. Sensor signals during turning was also analysed in order to study tool wear processes during metal cutting and investigate the possibility of applying sensorial techniques for in-process sensing of tool wear.