Acoustic Emission-Based Tool Condition Classification in a Precision High-Speed Machining of Titanium Alloy: A Machine Learning Approach

Abstract

Mechanical and chemical properties of titanium alloy have led to its wide range of applications in aerospace and biomedical industries. The heat generation and its transfer from the cutting zone are critical in machining of titanium alloys. The process of transferring heat from the primary cutting zone is difficult due to poor thermal conductivity of titanium alloy, and it will lead to rapid tool wear and poor surface finish. An effective tool monitoring system is essential to predict such variations during machining process. In this study, using a high-speed precision mill, experiments are conducted under optimum cutting conditions with an objective of maximizing the life of tungsten carbide tool. Tool wear profile is established and tool conditions are arrived on the basis of the surface roughness. Acoustic emission (AE) signals are captured using an AE sensor during machining of titanium alloy. Statistical features are extracted in time and frequency domain. Features that contain rich information about the tool conditions are selected using J48 decision tree (DT) algorithm. Tool condition classification abilities of DT and support vector machines are studied in time and frequency domains.