Tool condition monitoring in honing process using acoustic emission signals

Sensing Acoustic Emission (AE) signals from a machining process is one of the most promising methods suitable for tool condition monitoring because of its sensitivity combined with quick and high frequency response. In this work, AE signals are monitored during rough, finish and plateau honing of cylinder liner using fresh and completely worn out honing tools. AE parameters such as Root Mean Square (RMS), peak to peak, skewness and kurtosis and dominant frequency in the power spectrum are analysed. The results show that the dominant frequency in the power spectrum is very sensitive to honing tool conditions and a good correlation exists with honed surface quality. Therefore, AE signals can be used for ascertaining the honing tool performance and establishing the end of tool life. Copyright © 2008, Inderscience Publishers.