A Milling Torquemeter of Planetary-Gear Design

Abstract

A design of planetary-gear dynamometer or torquemeter, to measure tangential cutting forces in milling with a high degree of accuracy and sensitivity is described together with certain design considerations and limitations as well as associated force-measuring equipment. This device is a highly efficient, sensitive, and durable research tool for use in accurately determining the magnitude and manner of variation of the cutting force, energy, and power at the cutting edges of single-point or multiple-point milling cutters, as well as machine efficiency, in full-scale milling operations. Procedures and methods of determining values of tangential cutting force, specific cutting energy, and horsepower at the cutter from cutting-test data obtained with the torquemeter are given with examples.