Measuring cutting force at the tool–chip interface In metal cutting operations (turning, milling, drilling), which instrument is specifically used to measure the cutting force(s) acting at the cutting edge during machining trials or process monitoring?

Introduction / Context:
Accurate measurement of cutting forces is fundamental in machining science because these forces govern power consumption, tool wear, surface finish, and vibration. Process developers and researchers rely on dedicated instruments to quantify forces in turning, milling, and drilling so that speeds, feeds, and tool geometries can be optimized.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Conventional metal cutting (orthogonal or oblique) with standard tools.
• Need to measure tangential, radial, and feed components of force.
• Laboratory or shop-floor test setup is available for instrumentation.

Concept / Approach:
A machining dynamometer is designed to resolve forces along defined axes. Turning dynamometers typically measure two or three components, while milling dynamometers measure multiple components via piezoelectric or strain-gage transducers. The output is calibrated to display force directly. Other instruments like wattmeters or pyrometers indicate power or temperature, not force, and hydrometers measure fluid density.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard machining texts and tool catalogs specify piezoelectric quartz dynamometers or strain-gage ring dynamometers for force measurement in turning, drilling, and milling experiments.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Wattmeter: measures electrical power, not individual force components.Hydrometer: measures liquid density; irrelevant to machining forces.Pyrometer: measures high temperature (tool/work/chip), not force.Strain gauge adhesive only: adhesive is a component, not a complete calibrated force-measuring instrument.

Common Pitfalls:
Inferring force from spindle power alone is inaccurate because it includes losses and cannot separate feed/radial components. Proper fixturing and calibration are essential to avoid cross-sensitivity and drift in dynamometer readings.

Final Answer:

Dynamometer