Sensorless machine tool condition monitoring based on open NCs

Monitoring the state of mechanical machine tool components is of growing importance for increasing machine tool availability and reducing inspection efforts and costs. Open numerical controls offer a new opportunity for getting access to signals of drives as well as of the control itself and to integrate the end-user´s individual applications. Because the actual drive signals contain information on the mechanical behaviour of the drive chain components, their use for condition monitoring mechanical drive components is a reliable and cost effective approach. The paper presents a new approach on using digital drive signals for a control integrated condition monitoring system to monitor typical disturbances like backlash and pittings on guideways.