Abstract
Diamond cutting is more efficient for producing optical components and the die core in ultra-precision machining. However, the effect of tool wear not only reduces the quality of machining but also causes the waste of material and time. In order to maintain the quality of diamond cutting, the tool wear is a crucial problem to be addressed. Currently, tool wear in ultra-precision machining can not been identified directly with the naked eye. This paper provides an optical method for collecting the signal detection of laser scattering from the workpiece to monitor the tool wear. The research proposes an innovative method for monitoring the tool wear of cutting edge radius. In this way, one can estimate the condition of the tool wear and determine the time to change the tool. As seen from the result of the experiment collecting all scattering light of the designated position using the incident angle of 10, 20 and 30 degrees are the best for monitoring tool life. The proposed method of monitoring tool life is effective for better cutting quality.