Measurement of Pinion Type Cutter Using Coordinate Measuring Machine

A method for measuring a pinion type cutter using a coordinate measuring machine is proposed. In this method, the cutting edge profile of the cutter is indirectly measured as the intersecting curve between the flank of tool and the cutting face. Left and right side flanks of the cutter are considered to be the tooth surfaces of two different involute helical gears. The coordinates of many points on the tooth surface and the face are measured using a coordinate measuring machine. The tooth surface and the face are estimated from the measured data by the method of least squares. The cutting edge profile is calculated from the estimated tooth surface and the face. The cutting edge is moved helically and it forms the tooth surface of the actual imaginary gear. A pressure angle of this gear can be calculated. Pressure angle error of the pinion type cutter is that of the imaginary gear.