The planer test bench is used when chip formation processes are to be observed directly at the cutting wedge. By means of a high-speed camera, which allows frame rates of up to 1.1 million images per second, detailed images of the material flow behaviour can be made. Depending on the application, characteristic values of chip formation as well as material separation in the shear zone can be analysed. Furthermore, process-parallel force measurements enable the calculation of the local cutting wedge load. "With the methods developed at the IFW and optimised over the years, we are able to investigate the stress load on the cutting wedge for the most diverse combinations of tool geometry and material," explains Malte Kraeft. The scientist is currently developing cutting edge geometries for internal turning in a DFG-funded research project together with the application partner MAPAL Dr. Kress KG. Kraeft: "Without this test rig, these investigations would only be possible with time-consuming simulations, which at the same time have high uncertainties".
Another special feature is offered by the current expansion stage of the test stand, in which a cooling lubricant supply has been integrated. This makes it possible to analyse the effect of different coolants in interaction with the tool geometry. In this way, the direct effect of different coolants can be investigated with regard to chip formation and contact conditions or process forces.
With the addition of a high-speed thermographic camera to the planer test bench, it is now possible to analyse not only the mechanical but also the thermal processes in the cutting wedge.
