Development of database and searching system for tool grinding

Purpose: For achieving the goal of saving time on the tool grinding and design, an efficient method of developing the data management and searching system for the standard cutting tools is proposed in this study. Design/methodology/approach: At first the tool grinding software with open architecture was employed to design and plan grinding processes for seven types of tools. According to the characteristics of tools (e.g. types, diameter, radius and so on), 4802 tool data were established in the relational database. Then, the SQL syntax was utilized to write the searching algorithms, and the human machine interfaces of the searching system for the tool database were developed by C++ Builder. Findings: For grinding a square end mill with two-flute, a half of time on the tool design and the change of production line for grinding other types of tools can be saved by means of our system. More specifically, the efficiency in terms of the approach and retract time was improved up to 40%, and an improvement of approximately 10.6% in the overall machining time can be achieved. Research limitations/implications: In fact, the used tool database in this study only includes some specific tools such as the square end mill. The step drill, taper tools, and special tools can also be taken into account in the database for future research. Practical implications: The most commercial tool grinding software is the modular-based design and use tool shapes to construct the CAM interface. Some limitations on the tool design are undesirable for customers. On the contrary, employing not only the grinding processes to construct the grinding path of tools but the searching system combined with the grinding software, it gives more flexible for one to design new tools. Originality/value: A novel tool database and searching system is presented for tool grinding. Using this system can save time and provide more convenience on designing tools and grinding. In other words, the company productivity can be improved.