Micro-Isotope Tool Wear Sensing

摘要

The micro-isotope system is a tool wear sensing system which relies on the use of a miniscule deposit of radioactive material located on the wear zone of the cutting tool. Detection of the ionizing radiation from that deposit determines whether tool wear has proceeded past the implant location. An improved arc welding technique for depositing the activity is reported. Several field tests were performed: one test was positive and reliably measured tool failure. The second results were poor because of low measurement times and low efficiency measurements of the radioactive emissions. A comprehensive safety analysis prepared for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission demonstrates that use of this system in industrial environments will present no significant health hazards. The method is shown to be promising for some cutting operations, though additional research is indicated.