Automatic cutting edge detection for a cylindrical mill

Traditional tool measurement involves the 2D measurement of mainly tool height and diameter, but to measure other tool characteristics, like tool angles, 3D scanning is required. This leads to the need of 3D tool measuring systems and suitable tool measurement procedures. In particular measurement of tool angles is based on the fitting of points sampled on face and flank of the tool near the cutting edge. Therefore, a first step to measure tool angles is the identification of which points belong to the face, flank and cutting edge of a tool flute. Aiming to keep the whole angle measurement process automatic, this work presents an algorithm which identifies the surfaces of a cylindrical mill from a 3D scan. Simulation and experimental test of the procedure are proposed.