Overview
The Lathe Tool Dynamometer is a precision force measurement instrument mounted on the tool post of a lathe to measure the three orthogonal cutting force components: tangential (main) cutting force (Fc), radial (thrust) force (Fr), and axial (feed) force (Fa), during turning operations. Strain gauge-based force transducers sense the forces and output voltage signals proportional to each force component. Students measure cutting forces for different cutting speeds, feed rates, and depth of cut, and correlate results with Merchant's theory and Taylor's tool life equation. The dynamometer provides fundamental data for understanding tool loading, power consumption, and tool wear in metal cutting processes.
Specifications
| Force components | Fc (tangential), Fr (radial), Fa (axial) |
| Force range | 0 to 2000 N per axis |
| Sensor | strain gauge (Wheatstone bridge) |
| Accuracy | +/-1% full scale |
| Output | mV/V or amplified 0 to 10V |
| Display | digital multi-channel indicator |
| Overload protection | 150% of rated load |
| Power supply | 220V AC, 50 Hz |