Computer-aided inspection of cutting tool geometry

Abstract The introduction of computers and vision systems in the area of metrology has increased the possibilities of automated inspection, thereby reducing the human intervention considerably. The inspection of cutting tool geometry using conventional instruments consumes time and requires skilled operators. Here an attempt has been made to develop interactive, user-oriented software for measuring single point tools and twist drills using a noncontact type coordinate measuring machine. The operator need only set the tools on a rotary table as per the instructions appearing on the monitor and start the program, which takes care of most of the required operations such as rotating the table to the required angle, switching the lights on and off, adjusting the intensity of illumination, and autofocusing features through system commands. The printout of the results and graphics could be obtained as well.