An optical tool-setting scheme for ultra precision machining

Tool setting is one of the key procedures in ultra-precision diamond turning operation. The conventional tool setting procedure using a touch-probe is time-consuming, laborious and running a great risk of damaging the delicate tool-tip. The optical/non-contact way of tool setting has the advantage of not having to touch the tool, but its resolution is limited by the optical diffraction limit and the resolution of the CCD (charge coupled device). A new optical tool setting scheme with submicron accuracy is presented in this paper and the results demonstrated good efficiency and higher accuracy in comparison to the other tool setting techniques.