A new cutting edge surface reconstruction method for hard whirling tools

Abstract Edge surface reconstruction is the prerequisite for evaluating the quality of cutting edge preparation. However, accurate modelling for edge surface has great challenge in terms of accuracy and efficiency. This paper aims to develop a new method to solve this problem. The proposed method uses laser scanning confocal microscope to obtain the selected section data and introduces fractal interpolation to reconstruct the edge. To ensure the accuracy, the transition point identification method based on approximate curvature difference is presented. A novel data flattening process is also performed to avoid shape copying. Results show that the edge radius fitted with the points in the transition zone is close to the experimental value. Data flattening prevents the shape between interpolation points copying the edge macroshape. The proposed reconstruction method takes much less time than the surface scanning method, and its measurement accuracy is higher than that of the coordinate measuring machine method.