Sensors

Machine monitoring for deep hole drilling goes far beyond counting cycles and tracking runtime. The drilling process itself generates a rich set of signals that tell you exactly what is happening at the cutting edge. I have built monitoring systems that predict tool breakage three seconds before it happens, detect material hardness changes mid-bore, and flag coolant system degradation weeks before a failure. What to Monitor Process Parameters The four signals that give the most information about the drilling process are coolant pressure, coolant flow rate, spindle power, and feed force. These four parameters, plotted against time, create a signature for every drilling cycle. ...

Monitoring the drilling process in real time helps catch problems before they cause scrap. I have used various sensors and monitoring systems on deep hole drilling machines over the years. The right monitoring setup depends on the type of work you do and the investment you are willing to make. Here is what I have learned about deep hole drilling machine monitoring. What to Monitor The most useful parameters to monitor on a deep hole drilling machine are coolant pressure, spindle load, and feed force. These three catch the majority of process problems before they turn into scrap parts or broken tools. ...