Review of Cutting Temperature Measurement Methods

During the cutting process, large quantities of emitted heat are concentrated on a small surface area of the interface between the workpiece and the cutting edge. The resultant very high temperature significantly affects the tool life. Knowledge of maximum temperatures to be expected on the cutting edges is important, as it allows the cutting conditions to be adjusted in such a manner that the critical value of thermal resistance is not exceeded for the cutting material. In effect, the maximum effectiveness of the working process is maintained. This article offers a systematic presentation of methods used in cutting temperature measurements. It discusses their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the usefulness of the individual methods in different types of machining processes. It also points to the possibility of methodological errors which significantly reduce measurement accuracy. The above issues are believed to justify a discussion of different cutting temperature measurement methods. The conclusions here presented may be of particular importance to researchers interested in the field, especially in high-efficiency machining, new cutting materials and cutting-edge protective coatings, as well as various methods for cutting fluid applications. They may allow a more informed selection of measurement methods most suitable for particular situations.