Method for measuring 3-axis cutting force of a pick cutter using the single-axis load cell array

A new method for measuring the 3-axis cutting forces of a pick cutter by substituting costly 3-D load cells is proposed in this paper. The proposed cutting force measurement method is capable of estimating the 3-axis cutting forces through mechanical constraints using four single-axis compressive load cells and shoulder bolts. The feasibility of the proposed method was verified by finite element analysis, and the accuracy of the force measurement of the developed force measurement device was investigated by conducting linear rock cutting tests. The tests showed that the new cutting force measurement method is able to measure 3-axis cutting forces with a relative error of approximately 6%. These results imply that the new method could be a suitable alternative to conventional 3-D load cells. In addition, it will allow a significant reduction of approximately 20–30% in the costs required for measuring the cutting force when compared to conventional 3-D load cells.