The contact between grinding wheel and workpiece in the grinding process is recognized by acoustic emission (AE). Two acoustic emission monitoring systems (MS) were integrated into a 3 axis CNC grinding machine. A laptop allows the signal acquisition and visualization. The acquired AE RMS signals from the contact between tool and workpiece are analyzed permitting to establish the most suitable AE monitoring system to recognize the contact in a particular grinding machine. In a second experimental setup the selected MS was installed on a 7 axis tool grinding machine at an industrial partner. At this partner, the relative position between grinding wheel and workpiece was previously determined manually. This procedure has a direct influence on the results depending on the technical skills of the operator. The automation of this activity supported by acoustic emission has led to satisfactory results regarding the relative position between grinding wheel and workpiece and contributed to the setup time reduction.
monitoring systems; acoustic emission; external cylindrical grinding process
