Hi Folks wonder if anyone can help with this is in relation to something we do at work.

We drill 1000's of through holes about 3-4mm in dia in cast stainless steel about 6mm deep with carbide drills, we get drill life of perhaps 1800 holes but tool life can be quite unpredictable and some of the castings can have defects which drastically reduces tool life.

sometimes the drills break (surprise surprise) and can be quite a pain to remove from the job although its generally possible using hard cut drills.

however IF we could FAIRLY cheaply monitor the drilling force and detect chipped/blunt drills we could save ourselves a good deal of pain.

o.k that was perhaps a bit lengthly.. if you're still with me what about a wireless force sensor above the tool holder??

anyone know of anything? I've tried searching the web but no joy yet!

regards,

Pat