System and method for measuring the size of a cutting wheel

Abstract

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for a measurement system for a cutting device. The cutting apparatus includes a housing defining an operating cavity, wherein a cutting wheel is disposed in the operating cavity. A measurement system is configured to measure a change in a diameter of the cutting wheel, the measurement system including one or more indicia corresponding to a size of the cutting wheel. In an example, diameters change from a first diameter to a second diameter during operation of the cutting wheel, both diameters may be measured by a measurement system.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Some cutting devices perform the cutting operation in an operating chamber. During the cutting operation, a cutting wheel is used to cut the sample in the operating chamber. However, cutting the sample causes the cutting wheel to become worn, which may change the way the cutting wheel cuts the sample.

[0002] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a system and / or method for measuring changes in a cutting wheel during a cutting operation to ensure that the cutting operation provides a high quality sample. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present disclosure provides systems and methods for a measurement system for a cutting device. The cutting device includes a housing defining an operating chamber, wherein a cutting wheel is disposed in the operating chamber. The measurement system is configured to measure a change in a diameter of the cutting wheel, the measurement system including one or more markings corresponding to a size of the cutting wheel. In an example, the diameter changes from a first diameter to a second diameter during operation of the cutting wheel, and both diameters can be measured by the measurement system.

[0004] By considering the following detailed description of embodiments, drawings and claims, other features, advantages and embodiments of the present application can be set forth or become apparent. In addition, it should be understood that the above overview of the present invention and the following detailed description of embodiments are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the claimed application. However, the detailed description of embodiments and specific examples only represent some embodiments of the present application. According to the detailed description of embodiments, a variety of different changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present application will become apparent to those skilled in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 An example cutting apparatus including a measurement system for a cutting wheel according to aspects of the present disclosure is presented.

[0006] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A perspective view of an example cutting apparatus including a measurement system for a cutting wheel according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0007] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The present invention shows various aspects of the present disclosure. Figures 1 to 2B Example of a measuring system and detailed view of a cut-off wheel.

[0008] Figure 4 Example methods for detecting the size of a cutting wheel according to aspects of the present disclosure are presented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Disclosed example systems and methods for measuring a cutting wheel of a cutting device are provided. In particular, the cutting device includes a housing defining an operating chamber. The cutting wheel is disposed within the operating chamber. The cutting device further includes a measurement system configured to measure a change in a diameter of the cutting wheel, the measurement system including one or more markings corresponding to a size of the cutting wheel. In some examples, the one or more markings of the measurement system include a first marking and a second marking corresponding to a first diameter and a second diameter of the cutting wheel, respectively.

[0010] An abrasive wheel cutting device is used to perform cutting of sample materials, which may be used for testing of components. An abrasive wheel cutting device may have a circular cutting wheel that rotates at high speed to cut a portion of a sample. When the abrasive wheel cutting device is used, the cutting wheel is consumed, so that the diameter of the cutting wheel decreases as the cutting wheel wears. The change from a first diameter to a second (smaller) diameter changes the way the cutting wheel cuts the sample.

[0011] For example, the change in the diameter of the cutting wheel changes the point at which the blade of the cutting wheel contacts the sample. Further, the rotational speed of the cutting wheel at the contact point changes with the change in the diameter of the cutting wheel. This change may affect the quality of the cutting. In order to mitigate the impact of the changing cutting wheel diameter, one or more parameters of the cutting wheel (e.g., the position and / or orientation of the cutting wheel relative to the sample) can be adjusted. The parameters can also include the rotational speed of the cutting wheel (e.g., in revolutions per minute (RPM)) or the power delivered to the cutting wheel (e.g., from a motor) to cause rotation. In order to accurately determine the amount of adjustment, it is necessary to accurately measure the change in the diameter of the cutting wheel. Adjustments can be made manually and / or by a control system. For example, a user can observe the change in the diameter of the cutting wheel and enter the number or amount of change in the user interface, which can be implemented by a control system. In some examples, one or more sensors can monitor the change and transmit the information to the control circuit system to adjust the parameters.

[0012] The disclosed example systems and methods provide a measurement system that is arranged at or near a cutting wheel to measure an absolute value of a diameter (e.g., from a geometric center of the cutting wheel) and / or an amount of change in diameter (e.g., from a first diameter to a second diameter). For example, the measurement system may include a measurement device having one or more markings to provide a visual indication of the changing diameter. In some examples, the markings may be monitored by a sensor (e.g., an optical sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a magnetic sensor, etc.), which may be transmitted to a control system, which in turn may determine an amount of adjustment to the cutting device (e.g., position, orientation, speed, power of the cutting wheel). Such adjustments may be automatically implemented by the control system and / or in response to a user interface, thereby providing more consistent blade speeds and improved consistency of cutting results.

[0013] Based on the measured cutting wheel diameter and / or the measured change in the diameter or size of the cutting wheel, the cutting device can determine an appropriate adjustment value, which can be further based on one or more factors, such as the sample material being cut, the part number of the material being cut, the type of abrasive on the grinding wheel, the density of the abrasive on the grinding wheel, the thickness of the grinding wheel, the type of adhesive material, and / or the hardness of the adhesive material, as a list of non-limiting examples. The diameter value and / or the factor can be determined empirically and stored at the cutting device (e.g., stored in a lookup table of the control system). In some examples, one or more factors can be determined by reading an electronic tag (e.g., a barcode, a quick response (QR) code, an RFID tag, a near field communication (NFC) tag, etc.) attached to the cutting wheel and / or the packaging, sample, etc. of the cutting wheel. For example, the cutting device and / or the control system can include a barcode reader, a QR code reader, an RFID reader, and / or an NFC reader to collect information about these factors.

[0014] Thus, the disclosed example systems and methods provide improved cut quality and consistency, particularly as the life of the abrasive cut-off wheel decreases. Although the disclosed examples are described with reference to an abrasive cutting device and an abrasive cut-off wheel, the disclosed methods and apparatus may be adopted, modified, and / or used with other types of cutting devices (e.g., rotary tools) and / or any other type of rotary cutting device that uses a consumable cutting wheel.

[0015] In a disclosed example, a cutting device includes a housing defining an operating chamber; a cutting wheel disposed in the operating chamber; and a measuring system configured to measure a change in a diameter of the cutting wheel, the measuring system including one or more markings corresponding to a size of the cutting wheel.

[0016] In some examples, the one or more markings of the measurement system include a first marking and a second marking. In an example, the first marking corresponds to a first diameter of the cutting wheel and the second marking corresponds to a second diameter of the cutting wheel. In an example, the cutting wheel is configured to perform a cutting operation on the sample. In an example, the size of the cutting wheel changes from the first diameter to the second diameter during the cutting operation.

[0017] In some examples, the control system is used to determine measurements from the measurement system before, during, or after a cutting operation.In an example, a mount is used to secure the measurement system to a cover of the cutting wheel.

[0018] In some examples, the position or orientation of the measurement system is fixed relative to the cutting wheel.

[0019] In an example, the measuring system is a substantially linear scale, one or more markings being provided on a surface of the linear scale, wherein the linear scale is arranged on the first side of the cutting wheel.

[0020] In an example, the platform is used to support the sample, wherein the cutting device is configured to cut the sample on the platform. In an example, the door is connected to the housing to open or close the operating chamber.

[0021] In some disclosed examples, a method for controlling a rotational speed of a cutting device includes: measuring a first diameter of a cutting wheel of the cutting device by a linear measuring device; performing a cutting operation using the cutting wheel; measuring a second diameter of the cutting wheel by the linear measuring device during or after the cutting operation; and adjusting one or more operating parameters of the cutting wheel based on a difference between the first diameter and the second diameter by a control system.

[0022] In some examples, the one or more operating parameters of the cutting wheel include a position, orientation, rotational speed, or power of the cutting wheel.

[0023] In some examples, the first diameter or the second diameter is measured in response to a user input or based on an instruction from a control system.In an example, the first diameter is an initial diameter of the cutting wheel when the cutting device begins a cutting operation.

[0024] In an example, the type or amount of adjustment to one or more operating parameters is based in part on the type of material of the sample being cut.

[0025] In some examples, the method includes comparing the change in diameter to one or more threshold values; and if the change in diameter is greater than the one or more threshold values, adjusting one or more operating parameters of the cutting device.

[0026] In some examples, the method includes comparing the second diameter to one or more threshold values; and if the second diameter is greater than the one or more threshold values, adjusting one or more operating parameters of the cutting device.

[0027] In some examples, the method includes mounting the measurement system to a cover of the cutting wheel, wherein a position or orientation of the measurement system on the cover is fixed relative to the cutting wheel.

[0028] In an example, the method includes a measurement system that is a substantially linear scale with one or more markings provided on a surface of the linear scale, wherein the linear scale is arranged on a first side of the cutting wheel.

[0029] As used herein, the word "exemplary" refers to serving as an example, instance, or illustration. The examples described herein are not restrictive but merely exemplary. It should be understood that the described examples are not necessarily to be interpreted as being preferred or advantageous over other examples. In addition, the term "example" does not require that all examples of the present disclosure include the discussed features, advantages, or modes of operation.

[0030] In order to promote an understanding of the principles of the claimed technology and present its best currently understood mode of operation, reference will now be made to the examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings and specific language will be used to describe these examples. However, it must be understood that these examples are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed technology because any changes and further modifications to the illustrated devices and further applications of the principles of the claimed technology illustrated herein are generally within the purview of those skilled in the art to which the claimed technology belongs.

[0031] Turning to the attached figure, Figures 1 to 3B A cutting device 100 is shown, which includes a housing 101 and a door 110, and a measurement system 122 therein. As shown, the housing 101 is generally in the shape of a hollow square box, having an operating cavity 107 therein. As a list of non-limiting examples, the operating cavity 107 can be used to accommodate a cutting tool 112 as shown, but can also include one or more other devices for processing, preparing, testing or otherwise modifying the sample.

[0032] The cutting tool 112 is configured to perform a cutting operation on a sample (not shown) in the operating cavity 107. The housing 101 includes a top 105 and a bottom 106 opposite to each other, and the bottom 106 of the housing 101 is used to support on the ground or work surface. The housing 101 also includes a front portion 108 and a rear portion opposite to the front portion 108, and the front portion includes one or more user interfaces 134 (e.g., a display, a touch screen, a control knob, a joystick, a switch, etc.).

[0033] In some examples, the door 110 is configured to be movably disposed at the front portion 108 of the housing 101. As the door 110 moves relative to the housing 101 (eg, left and right, up and down, inside and outside), the operating chamber 107 can be opened or closed. Figures 1 to 2B In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the door 110 is in an open position, and the door 110 can be moved between a closed position and an open position along the length of the housing 101. When the door 110 is in a closed position, the door 110 closes the operating chamber 107, and the cutting device 100 can perform a cutting operation. For example, the cutting tool 112 includes a cutting wheel 114 for cutting or modifying a sample. The cutting tool 112 and / or the cutting wheel 114 can be controlled (e.g., via one or more control circuits or control systems 128, in response to user input at 134, etc.) to move relative to the sample (e.g., up / down movement, left / right movement), and the sample can be arranged on the platform 116. During the cutting operation, one or more nozzles 123 are used to deliver a fluid (e.g., a coolant, a gas, water, a chemical detergent, etc.) to the cutting surface of the sample, and can be configured to operate synchronously with the cutting wheel 114. In some examples, the nozzle 123 can be mounted to the cutting tool 112 and can be fixed by one or more flexible or semi-flexible conduits, which can be manipulated to guide the fluid to flow to the cutting surface.

[0034] When the cutting operation is completed, the door 110 moves to its open position. When the door 110 is in the open position, the door 110 opens the operating chamber 107. For ease of description only, the up-down direction refers to the height from the lower surface, the left-right direction refers to the length direction through which the door opens and closes, and the front-to-back direction refers to from the front portion or front panel 108 to the opposite rear panel.

[0035] like Figure 2A As shown, the measurement system 122 is secured to the cutting tool 112 by one or more mounting devices 121. As a list of non-limiting examples, the mounting devices 121 may include fasteners, weldments, snap-fit ​​connections, or may be integrally formed with a cover of the cutting tool 112. The measurement system 122 includes one or more measurement devices 140 configured to provide an indication of the size of the cutting wheel 114.

[0036] As in Figure 2AAs shown in the example of , the housing 101 also includes a partition 131 connected to the housing 101, which is used to separate the interior of the housing 101 to form an operation chamber 107 and a control room positioned on the left side of the operation chamber 107. The control room is used to accommodate a control system 128 (e.g., a control and / or network circuit system, not shown in the drawings) to control the cutting tool 112 and / or the measuring system 122. For example, the control system 128 can receive commands from a user interface 134 and / or from a remote control device (e.g., a computer, a networked controller, etc.) to activate the cutting tool 112 and / or the measuring system 122.

[0037] The measurement system 122 can be used to provide an indication of the size of the cutting wheel 114 at various points in time during operation of the cutting device 100. In some examples, the measurement device 140 can be used to measure the diameter of the cutting wheel 114 before, during, or after a cutting operation. For example, the measurement device 140 provides an indication of a change in diameter during a cutting operation in addition to or in lieu of an absolute diameter measurement of the cutting wheel 114. The size of the cutting wheel 114 can be determined continuously or periodically.

[0038] In addition, the position or orientation of the measuring device 140 can be adjusted manually and / or automatically (e.g., via an electric actuator) in response to a control input (e.g., from the control system 128). Thus, the placement of the measuring device 140 along a side of the cutting wheel 114 (e.g., over all or part of the diameter of the cutting wheel 114) and / or the amount of distance between the measuring device 140 and the surface of the cutting wheel 114 can be adjusted.

[0039] In some examples, the measurement system 122 is made of one or more suitable materials (eg, metal, alloy, plastic, glass, etc.), and / or the measurement device 140 may be integrally manufactured with the measurement system 122 through a machining process.

[0040] Figure 2B Shown Figure 1 and Figure 2A A perspective view of a cutting device 100, wherein Figure 2A The AA line in FIG. 1 shows a portion of the housing 101 removed.

[0041] Figure 3A and Figure 3BA detailed view of a measurement system 122 arranged relative to a cutting wheel 114 is shown. As shown, the cutting wheel 114 is defined by a central axis 142 about which the cutting wheel 114 rotates during a cutting operation. During the cutting operation, the outer cutting edge 111 of the cutting wheel 114 changes as the outer cutting edge is worn due to cutting the sample. Therefore, as the cutting wheel 114 wears, the radius will change from an initial radius or first radius R1 for the first time to a second radius R2 for the second time, and then to a third radius R3 during the cutting operation (e.g., during the cutting operation or when the cutting operation is completed). The initial radius of the cutting wheel 114 and the initial size of the cutting wheel 114 are known and / or measurable, so as the distance from the central axis 142 to the cutting edge 111 changes, the subsequent size of the cutting wheel 114 can be measured or otherwise determined.

[0042] As shown, the measuring device 140 is configured as a linear measuring device that includes one or more markings 144 to provide a comparison with the cutting edge 111 to measure the radius of the cutting wheel 114. For example, the discrete markings 144 can correspond to one or more radius thresholds (e.g., R1, R2, R3, etc.) so that when the cutting edge 111 reaches these markings, a visual comparison of the size of the cutting wheel 114 becomes clear.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, the size of the cutting wheel may be determined by one or more sensors configured to read the markings 144 and compare the markings 144 to the position of the cutting edge 111. The sensors may include any type of suitable sensor, such as a sensor that uses lasers, visible light, IR light, and / or sound to determine the size of the cutting wheel.

[0044] Such dimensional measurements (and / or changes in dimensions) may be provided to the control system 128 to adjust one or more parameters (e.g., the speed and / or position of the cutting wheel 114) of the cutting tool 112 to maintain the desired cutting action. For example, the control system 128 may regulate the power supply to provide the appropriate current and voltage to an actuator (e.g., a variable speed motor) that rotates the cutting wheel 114 about the central axis 142.

[0045] Although the size, and therefore the radius, of the cutting wheel 114 will change continuously from R1 to R3 (or smaller) during the cutting operation, discrete radii R1 , R2 , and R3 are shown in the example figures for ease of explanation.

[0046] In some examples, the control system 128 estimates the diameter of the cutting wheel 114 based on the measurements and usage of the cutting wheel 114. For example, a user can enter the measured diameter of a new cutting wheel into the control system 128 via the I / O interface 134. After identifying the new cutting wheel 114 and determining the size of the cutting wheel 114 and / or the sample, the control system 128 tracks the size and / or usage of the cutting wheel 114 and determines one or more thresholds corresponding to a desired diameter, change in diameter, speed, etc. based on a lookup table and / or equation. If the measured size or diameter violates one or more thresholds, the control system 128 can adjust one or more operating parameters of the cutting device 100.

[0047] The initial measurement provides a basis for later determining the diameter of the cutting wheel 114. At a later point in time, the measuring device 140 can determine the amount by which the size of the cutting wheel 114 has been reduced. Accordingly, the cutting device 100 can determine the diameter of the cutting wheel 114.

[0048] The measured diameter and / or change in diameter of the cutting wheel 114 , and / or the state of the cutting wheel (eg, green—within a first threshold; yellow—greater than a first threshold but within a second threshold; red—exceeds a second threshold) may be displayed on the interface 134 .

[0049] In some examples, the control system 128 may include processing circuitry, memory, input / output (I / O) or user interface 134, and / or other circuitry. The processing circuitry may be any type of processor or logic circuitry capable of executing instructions stored in memory and / or otherwise performing logic functions based on input. Example processors include a central processing unit (CPU), a system on a chip (SOC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), discrete logic, and / or any other type of controller, processor, and / or more generally logic circuitry. The memory includes volatile memory and non-volatile memory, including mass storage devices. The circuitry may include various hardware circuitry that may be required for the operation of the control system 128.

[0050] The example interface 134 may include any type of input device, such as a keyboard, a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touchpad), a microphone, a camera (e.g., gesture-based input), a touch screen, a button that can be rotated and / or pressed, a sliding knob, and / or any other type of user input and / or output device. The example interface 134 includes any type of visual output device (e.g., an LCD display, an LED display, etc.), a tactile feedback device that can vibrate, an audio output device (e.g., a speaker), and / or any other output device that can be used to provide information or notifications. The output interface can display, for example, the status / instructions that can be input into the cutting device 100.

[0051] For example, interface 134 can be used to input operating parameters (e.g., initial diameter of cutting wheel, diameter threshold, desired surface speed, etc.) into the cutting tool, where an operator can be provided with an alert. Control system 128 can also allow downloading of tables (e.g., into cutting device 100).

[0052] Figure 4 An example method for detecting the size of a cutting wheel according to aspects of the present disclosure is presented. Figure 4 , a flowchart 400 having blocks 402 to 410 is shown. The example method shown in flowchart 400 can be used to implement the control circuit system of control system 128 to control one or more operating parameters of cutting device 100. For example, the example method can be implemented by using machine-readable instructions, which can be stored in a memory and / or executed by control system 128. Figures 1 to 3B The example method is described with reference to the cutting device 100 .

[0053] In box 402, a measurement system is arranged at a cutting wheel. In box 404, a first diameter is determined by comparing a mark of the measurement system with the blade of the cutting wheel (e.g., before or during a cutting operation). In box 406, a second diameter is determined by comparing a mark of the measurement system with the blade of the cutting wheel (e.g., during or after a cutting operation). In box 408, the second diameter is compared with one or more diameter thresholds. In box 410, it is determined whether the second diameter exceeds one or more diameter thresholds. If so, the method proceeds to box 412, at which time an alarm is generated and / or the cutting operation (e.g., speed, power, position, orientation, etc.) is adjusted (e.g., via the control system 128). If not, the method returns to box 406 to continue monitoring changes in the diameter of the cutting wheel.

[0054] The size of the cutting wheel 114 may also be determined by using any of the methods and / or techniques described in this disclosure, and / or any other methods and / or techniques that may be suitable for determining the size of the cutting wheel 114 .

[0055] While some disclosed examples describe a linear measurement device for providing an indication of the size of a cutting wheel, in additional or alternative examples, various suitable sensors may be employed, such as sensors that employ light and / or sound to determine the size of a cutting wheel.

[0056] The disclosed measurement system has a simple structure that can be incorporated into (eg, retrofitted to) existing cutting equipment, which requires moderate modifications to the existing cutting equipment.

[0057] Various specific embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this specification. It should be understood that although terms indicating orientation, such as "front", "back", "up", "down", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., are used in this application to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of the present application, these terms used herein are only for convenience of description and are determined based on the example orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in the present application can be set in different orientations, these terms indicating orientation are only used for illustrative purposes and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0058] As used herein, "and / or" refers to any one or more of the multiple items connected by "and / or" in a list. As an example, "x and / or y" refers to any element in a three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" refers to "one or both of x and y". As another example, "x, y and / or z" refers to any element in a seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, "x, y and / or z" refers to "one or more of x, y and z". As used herein, the term "exemplary" refers to being used as a non-limiting example, instance or illustration. As used herein, the terms "eg," and "for example" lead to a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances or illustrations.

[0059] Although the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with the examples of the embodiments summarized above, it is possible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to become apparent to various alternatives, modifications, changes, improvements and / or substantially equivalent solutions, whether known or foreseeable now or in the near future. In addition, the technical effects and / or technical problems described in this specification are exemplary and non-restrictive; therefore, the disclosure in this specification may be used to solve other technical problems and have other technical effects and / or may solve other technical problems. Therefore, the examples of the embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth above are intended to be illustrative and non-restrictive. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to include all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, changes, improvements and / or substantially equivalent solutions.

Claims

1. A cutting device comprising: a housing defining an operating chamber; a cutting wheel, the cutting wheel being arranged in the operating chamber; as well as A measurement system is configured to measure changes in the diameter of the cutting wheel, the measurement system comprising one or more markings corresponding to a dimension of the cutting wheel.

2. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more markers of the measurement system include a first marker and a second marker.

3. The cutting device according to claim 2, wherein: The first marking corresponds to a first diameter of the cutting wheel and the second marking corresponds to a second diameter of the cutting wheel.

4. The cutting device according to claim 3, wherein: The cutting wheel is configured to perform a cutting operation on a sample.

5. The cutting device according to claim 3, wherein: The size of the cutting wheel changes from the first diameter to the second diameter during a cutting operation.

6. The cutting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a control system for determining measurements from the measurement system before, during, or after a cutting operation.

7. The cutting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a mount for securing the measurement system to a cover of the cutting wheel.

8. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein: The position or orientation of the measuring system is fixed relative to the cutting wheel.

9. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein: The measurement system is a substantially linear scale, one or more markings being provided on a surface of the linear scale, wherein the linear scale is arranged on a first side of the cutting wheel.

10. The cutting device according to claim 1, further comprising a platform for supporting the sample, wherein The cutting device is configured to cut the sample on the platform. 11 . The cutting apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a door connected to the housing to open or close the operation chamber.

12. A method for controlling the rotation speed of a cutting device, the method comprising: measuring a first diameter of a cutting wheel of the cutting device by a linear measuring device; Using the cutting wheel to perform a cutting operation; measuring a second diameter of the cutting wheel by the linear measuring device during or after the cutting operation; as well as One or more operating parameters of the cutting wheel are adjusted by a control system based on a difference between the first diameter and the second diameter.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The one or more operating parameters of the cutting wheel include the position, orientation, rotational speed or power of the cutting wheel.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The first diameter or the second diameter is measured in response to user input or based on instructions from the control system.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The first diameter is the initial diameter of the cutting wheel when the cutting device starts the cutting operation.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The type or amount of adjustment to the one or more operating parameters is based in part on the type of material of the sample being cut.

17. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: comparing the change in diameter to one or more threshold values; as well as If the change in diameter is greater than the one or more threshold values, one or more operating parameters of the cutting device are adjusted.

18. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: comparing the second diameter to one or more threshold values; as well as If the second diameter is greater than the one or more threshold values, one or more operating parameters of the cutting device are adjusted.

19. The method of claim 12, further comprising mounting the measurement system to a cover of the cutting wheel, wherein: The position or orientation of the measuring system on the cover is fixed relative to the cutting wheel.

20. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The measurement system is a substantially linear scale having one or more markings provided on a surface of the linear scale, wherein the linear scale is arranged on a first side of the cutting wheel.

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