Genetic tool monitor (GTM) for micro-end-milling operations

Almost all existing tool condition monitoring methods require either the critical parameters of models which are, experimentally found or the self-learning algorithms that are trained with existing data. Genetic Tool Monitor (GTM) is proposed to identify the problems by using an analytical model for micro-end-milling operations and genetic algorithm. The current version of the GTM is capable to monitor the microend-milling operations without any previous experience and is able to estimate symmetrical wear and local damage's at the cutting edges of a tool. Genetic algorithms (GA) are found as a promising health monitoring tool if an expression exists and the necessary computational time is allowable in that particular application. GTM generates meaningful information about the ongoing operation and allows the establishment of rules based on the operators' experience. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.