Fixed abrasive diamond wire machining - part I: process monitoring and wire tension force

The process monitoring and mechanics of fixed abrasive diamond wire saw machining are investigated in this study. New techniques to affix diamond particles to a steel wire core have advanced to make this process feasible for the machining of ceramics. wood, and foam materials. Developments in fixed abrasive diamond wire machining are first reviewed. Advantages of using fixed abrasive diamond wire machining are then introduced. The process monitoring and signal processing techniques for measuring the cutting forces, wire speed, down feed rate. and wire bow, angle in diamond wire sake machining are developed. The application of a capacitance sensor to measure the wire bow and a procedure to convert the wire bow, to vertical cutting force in a rocking motion wire saw machine are developed. The tension force of the wire during cutting is also derived and discussed. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.