System and method for measuring the size of a cutting wheel

Abstract

This disclosure provides a system and method relating to a measuring system for a cutting apparatus. The cutting apparatus comprises a housing that defines a working cavity, and a cutting wheel is positioned within the working cavity. The measuring system is configured to measure a change in the diameter of the cutting wheel, and the measuring system comprises one or more marks corresponding to the size of the cutting wheel. In an example, the diameter of the cutting wheel changes from a first diameter to a second diameter during operation, and both of these can be measured by the measuring system.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Background Some cutting devices perform a cutting operation within a working cavity. During the cutting operation, a cutting wheel is used to cut a sample within the working cavity. However, the cutting wheel may wear due to cutting the sample, and as a result, the manner in which the cutting wheel cuts the sample may change.

[0002] Therefore, in order to ensure that the cutting operation provides a high-quality sample, there is a need to provide a system and / or method for measuring changes in the cutting wheel during the cutting operation.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Summary The present disclosure provides a system and method related to a measurement system for a cutting device. The cutting device includes a housing that defines a working cavity, and the cutting wheel is disposed within the working cavity. The measurement system is configured to measure a change in the diameter of the cutting wheel, and the measurement system includes one or more (one or more) marks corresponding to the size of the cutting wheel. In an example, during the operation of the cutting wheel, the diameter changes from a first diameter to a second diameter, and both of these can be measured by the measurement system.

[0004] Other features, advantages, and embodiments of the present application will be described or become apparent in consideration of the following detailed description of the embodiments, the drawings, and the claims. Further, it should be understood that the above summary of the invention and the following detailed description of the embodiments are exemplary and are intended to provide further description without limiting the scope of the claimed application. However, the detailed description of the embodiments and specific examples merely illustrate some embodiments of the present application. Various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present application will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of the embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] [Figure 1] This figure shows an exemplary cutting apparatus comprising a measuring system for a cutting wheel according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0006] [Figure 2A] This is a perspective view showing an exemplary cutting apparatus equipped with a measuring system for a cutting wheel according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] This is a perspective view showing an exemplary cutting apparatus equipped with a measuring system for a cutting wheel according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0007] [Figure 3A] These are detailed diagrams illustrating the measurement system and cutting wheel shown in the examples of Figures 1 to 2B according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 3B] These are detailed diagrams illustrating the measurement system and cutting wheel shown in the examples of Figures 1 to 2B according to the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0008] [Figure 4] This figure shows an exemplary method for detecting the size of a cutting wheel according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Detailed explanation System and method for measuring a cutting wheel of a cutting apparatus are disclosed. In particular, the cutting apparatus comprises a housing that defines a working cavity. The cutting wheel is positioned within the working cavity. The cutting apparatus further comprises a measuring system configured to measure a change in the diameter of the cutting wheel, the measuring system comprising one or more marks corresponding to the size of the cutting wheel. In some examples, the one or more marks of the measuring system include a first mark and a second mark corresponding to a first and second diameter of the cutting wheel, respectively.

[0010] A polishing cutting device is used to cut (section, form sections) sample material that may be used for testing components. The polishing cutting device may have a circular cutting wheel that rotates at high speed to cut a portion of the sample. As the polishing cutting device is used, the cutting wheel wears down, and as the cutting wheel wears down, its diameter decreases. The change from a first diameter to a second (smaller) diameter alters the manner in which the cutting wheel cuts the sample.

[0011] For example, a change in the diameter of the cutting wheel alters the point at which the wheel's edge contacts the sample. Furthermore, the rotational speed of the cutting wheel at the contact point changes as the diameter of the cutting wheel changes. Such changes can affect the quality of cutting. To mitigate the effects of changes in the cutting wheel diameter, adjustments can be made to one or more parameters of the cutting wheel, such as the position and / or orientation of the cutting wheel relative to the sample. Parameters may also include the rotational speed of the cutting wheel (e.g., revolutions per minute (RPM)) or the power delivered to the cutting wheel (e.g., from a motor) to cause rotation. Accurate measurements of the change in the cutting wheel diameter are required to precisely determine the amount of adjustment. Adjustments can be made manually and / or by a control system. For example, a user can observe the change in the cutting wheel diameter and input the number or amount of change into a user interface that may be implemented by the control system. In some examples, one or more sensors can monitor the change, transmit the information to the control circuit, and make adjustments to the parameters.

[0012] The disclosed exemplary systems and methods provide a measuring system positioned on or near a cutting wheel to measure the absolute value of the diameter (e.g., from the geometric center of the cutting wheel) and / or the amount of change in diameter (e.g., from a first diameter to a second diameter). For example, the measuring system may comprise a measuring device having one or more markings that provide a visual representation of the changing diameter. In some examples, the markings can be monitored by a sensor (e.g., an optical sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a magnetic sensor, etc.), the sensor can communicate with a control system, the control system can then determine the amount of adjustment to the cutting apparatus (e.g., the position, orientation, speed, power of the cutting wheel). Such adjustments can be performed automatically by the control system and / or in response to a user interface, thereby providing a more consistent edge speed and improved consistency of cutting results.

[0013] Based on the measured diameter of the cutting wheel and / or the measured change in diameter or size, the cutting apparatus can determine appropriate adjustment values, which may be 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 material on the polishing cutting wheel, the concentration of the abrasive material on the polishing cutting wheel, the thickness of the polishing cutting wheel, the type of binder material, and / or the hardness of the binder material, as a list of non-limiting examples. The diameter value and / or factors may be determined empirically and stored in the cutting apparatus (e.g., in a lookup table stored in the control system). In some examples, one or more factors may be determined by reading electronic markings (e.g., barcodes, quick response (QR) codes, RFID tags, near-field communication (NFC) tags, etc.) attached to the cutting wheel and / or the cutting wheel's packaging, sample, etc. For example, the cutting apparatus and / or control system may include a barcode reader, QR code® reader, RFID reader, and / or NFC reader to collect information about such factors.

[0014] Accordingly, the illustrated systems and methods disclosed provide improved cutting quality and consistency, particularly as the lifespan of the abrasive cutting wheel decreases. While the disclosed examples are described with reference to abrasive cutting devices and abrasive cutting wheels, the disclosed methods and apparatus can be adopted, modified, and / or used for other types of cutting devices, such as any other type of rotary cutting device that uses a rotary tool and / or a consumable cutting wheel.

[0015] In the disclosed example, the cutting apparatus comprises a housing defining a work cavity, a cutting wheel positioned within the work cavity, and a measuring system configured to measure changes in the diameter of the cutting wheel, the measuring system having one or more marks corresponding to the size of the cutting wheel.

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

[0017] In some examples, a control system that determines measurements taken by a measuring system before, during, or after a cutting operation. In some examples, a mount that secures the measuring system to the cover of the cutting wheel.

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

[0019] In this example, the measuring system is substantially a linear ruler, with one or more marks provided on the surface of the linear ruler, and the linear ruler is positioned on the first side of the cutting wheel.

[0020] In an example, a platform for supporting a sample, and a cutting device configured to cut the sample on the platform. In an example, a door connected to a housing that opens and closes a working cavity.

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

[0022] In some examples, one or more operating parameters of the cutting wheel include the 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 starts a cutting operation.

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

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

[0026] [[ID=二十四]]In some examples, the method includes comparing the second diameter to one or more thresholds, and adjusting one or more operating parameters of the cutting device if the second diameter is greater than one or more thresholds.

[0027] In some examples, the method involves mounting the measuring system to the cover of the cutting wheel, and the position or orientation of the measuring system on the cover is fixed relative to the cutting wheel.

[0028] In this example, the method includes the measurement system being substantially a linear ruler, with one or more marks provided on the surface of the linear ruler, and the linear ruler being positioned on a first side of the cutting wheel.

[0029] Where used in this disclosure, the term “exemplary” means an example, illustration, or demonstrable. The examples described in this disclosure are illustrative only and not limiting. It should be understood that the examples described are not necessarily construed as preferable or beneficial to other examples. Furthermore, the term “example” does not require that all examples in the disclosure include the features, benefits, or modes of operation discussed.

[0030] To facilitate understanding of the principles of the claimed technology and to present the best currently understood modes of operation, the following examples shown in the drawings will be referenced and specific language will be used to explain them. However, this is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed technology, and it should be understood that such changes and further modifications in the shown devices, and such further applications of the principles of the claimed technology shown therein, are considered to be conventionally conceivable by those skilled in the art related to the claimed technology.

[0031] Referring to the drawings, Figures 1 to 3B show a cutting apparatus 100 comprising a housing 101 and a door 110 and an internal measuring system 122. As shown, the housing 101 is substantially in the shape of a hollow rectangular box with a working cavity 107 inside. The working cavity 107 can be used to house a cutting tool 112 as shown, but may include one or more other devices for processing, preparing, testing, or otherwise modifying a specimen, as a non-limiting list of examples.

[0032] The cutting tool 112 is configured to perform a cutting operation on a sample (not shown) in the working cavity 107. The housing 101 comprises a top 105 and a bottom 106 opposite to each other, the bottom 106 of the housing 101 being used for support on the ground or a working surface. The housing 101 also comprises a front 108 which may include one or more user interfaces 134 (e.g., a display, touchscreen, control knob, lever, switch, etc.) and a rear opposite to the front 108.

[0033] In some examples, the door 110 is configured to be movable at the front 108 of the housing 101. As the door 110 moves relative to the housing 101 (e.g., left and right, up and down, in and out), it can open and close the work cavity 107. In the examples in Figures 1 to 2B, the door 110 is in the open position and is movable between the closed and open positions along the length of the housing 101. When the door 110 is in the closed position, it closes the work cavity 107 and the cutting device 100 can perform cutting operations. For example, the cutting tool 112 includes a cutting wheel 114 for cutting or deforming the specimen. The cutting tool 112 and / or cutting wheel 114 can be controlled to move (e.g., up and down, left and right) relative to the specimen(s) that may be placed on the platform 116 (e.g., via one or more control circuits or systems 128, in response to user input in 134, etc.). During cutting, one or more nozzles 123 can be configured to deliver a fluid (e.g., coolant, gas, water, chemical cleaning solution, etc.) to the cutting surface of the sample and to operate in synchronization with the cutting wheel 114. In some examples, the nozzles 123 can be attached to the cutting tool 112 and fixed by one or more flexible or semi-flexible conduits that can be operated to direct the fluid flow toward the cutting surface.

[0034] Once the cutting operation is complete, the door 110 moves to its open position. When the door 110 is in the open position, it opens the work cavity 107. For the sake of simplicity, the upward and downward directions refer to the height from the surface below, the left and right directions refer to the length direction in which the door opens and closes, and the forward and rearward directions refer to the distance from the front or panel 108 to the opposing rear panel.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2A, the measuring system 122 is secured to the cutting tool 112 by one or more mounting devices 121. The mounting devices 121 may include, but are not limited to, fasteners, welds, snap-fit ​​connections, or may be integrally formed with the cover of the cutting tool 112. The measuring system 122 includes one or more measuring devices 140 configured to provide an indication of the size of the cutting wheel 114.

[0036] As shown in the example in Figure 2A, the housing 101 also includes a partition 131 connected to the interior of the housing 101, dividing the interior of the housing 101 and forming a work cavity 107 and a control chamber located to the left of the work cavity 107. The control chamber is used to house a control system 128 (e.g., control and / or network circuitry not shown in the figure) that controls 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 a remote control device (e.g., a computer, network controller, etc.) to operate the cutting tool 112 and / or the measuring system 122.

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

[0038] Furthermore, 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 can be adjusted along the side of the cutting wheel 114 (e.g., across the entire or a portion of the diameter of the cutting wheel 114) and / or to adjust the amount of distance between the measuring device 140 and the surface of the cutting wheel 114.

[0039] In some examples, the measuring system 122 is made of one or more suitable materials such as metal, alloy, plastic, or glass, and / or the measuring device 140 can be manufactured integrally with the measuring system 122 by machining.

[0040] Figure 2B shows a perspective view of the cutting apparatus 100 from Figures 1 and 2A, with a portion of the housing 101 removed along line AA in Figure 2A.

[0041] Figures 3A and 3B show detailed diagrams of a measuring system 122 positioned relative to the cutting wheel 114. As shown, the cutting wheel 114 is defined by a central axis 142 around which the cutting wheel 114 rotates during the cutting operation. During the cutting operation, the outer cutting edge 111 of the cutting wheel 114 changes as it is worn down by cutting the sample. Thus, as the cutting wheel 114 wears down, the radius changes from an initial or first radius R1 at a first time, to a second radius R2 at a second time during the cutting operation, and then to a third radius R3 (e.g., during or at the end of the cutting operation). The initial radius and initial size of the cutting wheel 114 are known and / or measurable, and therefore the subsequent size of the cutting wheel 114 can be measured or otherwise determined as the distance from the central axis 142 to the cutting edge 111 changes.

[0042] As illustrated, the measuring device 140 is configured as a linear measuring device including one or more markings 144 that provide a comparison with the cutting edge 111 to measure the radius of the cutting wheel 114. For example, a separate marking 144 may correspond to one or more threshold radius values ​​(e.g., R1, R2, R3, etc.), so that when the cutting edge 111 reaches such markings, a visual comparison becomes clear with respect to the size of the cutting wheel 114.

[0043] In addition or alternatively, the size of the cutting wheel can 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 variety of suitable sensors, such as sensors employing lasers, visible light, IR light, and / or sound, to determine the size of the cutting wheel.

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

[0045] The size, and therefore the radius, of the cutting wheel 114 changes continuously from R1 to R3 (or less) during the cutting operation, but for ease of explanation, the illustrative figure shows separate radii R1, R2, and R3.

[0046] In some cases, the control system 128 estimates the diameter of the cutting wheel 114 based on its measurements and usage. For example, a user can register the measured diameter of a new cutting wheel with 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 the desired diameter, diameter change, speed, etc., based on a lookup table and / or equations. 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 baseline for later determining the diameter of the cutting wheel 114. At a later point in time (which may be multiple), the measuring device 140 can determine the amount by which the size of the cutting wheel 114 has decreased. Thus, the cutting device 100 can determine the diameter of the cutting wheel 114.

[0048] The measured diameter of the cutting wheel 114 and / or the change in diameter, and / or the status of the cutting wheel (for example, green means it is within the first threshold, yellow means it is outside the first threshold but within the second threshold, and red means it is above the second threshold) may be displayed on the interface 134.

[0049] In some examples, the control system 128 may comprise a processing circuit, memory, input / output (I / O) or user interface(s) 134, and / or other circuit components. The processing circuit may be any type of processor or logic circuit capable of executing instructions stored in memory and / or otherwise performing logic functions based on inputs. Exemplary processors include central processing units (CPUs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), discrete logic, and / or any other type of controller, processor, and / or more broadly, logic circuit components. Memory may include volatile and non-volatile memory, including mass storage devices. The circuit components may include various hardware circuit components that may be required for the operation of the control system 128.

[0050] The exemplary interface 134 may include a keyboard, a pointing device (e.g., mouse, trackpad), a microphone, a camera (e.g., gesture-based input), a touchscreen, 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 exemplary interface 134 may include, for example, any type of visual output device such as an LCD display, an LED display, a vibrating haptic feedback device, an audio output device such as a speaker, and / or any other output device that may be used to provide information or notifications. The output interface may, for example, display status / commands that may be entered for the cutting machine 100.

[0051] For example, interface 134 can be used to input operating parameters for a cutting tool, such as the initial diameter of the cutting wheel, a threshold diameter value for which an alert may be provided to the operator, and a desired surface speed. The control system 128 may also allow a table to be downloaded to, for example, the cutting device 100.

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

[0053] In block 402, the measuring system is positioned on the cutting wheel. In block 404, a first diameter is determined by comparing the markings of the measuring system with the edge of the cutting wheel (e.g., before or during the cutting operation). In block 406, a second diameter is determined by comparing the markings of the measuring system with the edge of the cutting wheel (e.g., during or after the cutting operation). In block 408, the second diameter is compared to one or more threshold diameter values. In block 410, the method determines whether the second diameter exceeds one or more threshold diameter values. If it does, the method proceeds to block 412, an alert is generated, and / or adjustments to the cutting operation (e.g., speed, power, position, orientation, etc.) are made (e.g., via control system 128). If it does not exceed the threshold diameter, the method returns to block 406 and continues to monitor the change in the cutting wheel diameter.

[0054] The size of the cutting wheel 114 may also be determined by any of the methods and / or techniques described herein and / or any other methods and / or techniques that may be applicable to determining the size of the cutting wheel 114.

[0055] While some disclosed examples describe linear measuring devices that provide indication of the size of a cutting wheel, in additional or alternative examples, various suitable sensors, such as sensors employing light and / or sound, may be used to determine the size of the cutting wheel.

[0056] The disclosed measurement system has a simple structure that can be incorporated into existing cutting equipment (e.g., retrofit), requiring only moderate modifications to the existing cutting equipment.

[0057] Various specific embodiments of the present application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings which constitute part of this specification. While terms indicating orientation, such as “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “inside,” and “outside,” are used in the present application to describe various exemplary structural components and elements, it should be understood that these terms are used in this disclosure solely for illustrative purposes and are determined based on the exemplary orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this application can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating orientation are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0058] Where used in this disclosure, “and / or” means any one or more items in the list linked by “and / or.” For example, “x and / or y” means any element of the set of three elements {(x), (y), (x,y)}. In other words, “x and / or y” means “one or both of x and y.” Where used in this disclosure, the term “exemplary” means to serve as a non-limiting example, case, or illustration. Where used in this disclosure, the term “for example” means to begin a list of one or more non-limiting examples, cases, or illustrations.

[0059] While this disclosure has been described in relation to the examples of embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, changes, improvements, and / or substantial equivalents may be apparent to those skilled in the art, whether currently known or foreseeable in the near future. In addition, the technical effects and / or technical problems described herein are illustrative and not limiting, and therefore the disclosure may be used to solve other technical problems, may have other technical effects, and / or may solve other technical problems. Accordingly, the examples of embodiments of this disclosure described above are illustrative and not intended to limit. Various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, this disclosure is intended to include all known or previously developed alternatives, modifications, changes, improvements, and / or substantial equivalents.

Claims

1. A cutting device, A housing that defines the working cavity, A cutting wheel is placed within the aforementioned work cavity, A measuring system configured to measure the change in diameter of the cutting wheel, comprising one or more marks corresponding to the size of the cutting wheel, A cutting device equipped with the following features.

2. The cutting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one or more marks of the measuring system include a first mark and a second mark.

3. The cutting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first mark corresponds to the first diameter of the cutting wheel, and the second mark corresponds to the second diameter of the cutting wheel.

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

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

6. The cutting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control system for determining a measurement value from the measuring system before, during, or after a cutting operation.

7. The cutting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mount for fixing the measuring system to the cover of the cutting wheel.

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

9. The cutting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measuring system is substantially a linear ruler, the one or more marks are provided on the surface of the linear ruler, and the linear ruler is positioned on the first side of the cutting wheel.

10. The cutting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a platform for supporting a sample, wherein the cutting apparatus 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 for opening and closing the work cavity.

12. A method for controlling the rotational speed of a cutting device, The first diameter of the cutting wheel of the cutting device is measured using a linear measuring device, Performing a cutting operation using the aforementioned cutting wheel, During or after the cutting operation, the second diameter of the cutting wheel is measured using the linear measuring device. The control system adjusts one or more operating parameters of the cutting wheel based on the difference between the first diameter and the second diameter, Methods that include...

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 a command 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 of one or more operating parameters is based in part on the type of material being cut.

17. Furthermore, Comparing the change in diameter to one or more thresholds, When the change in diameter is greater than one or more thresholds, one or more operating parameters of the cutting device are adjusted. The method according to claim 12, including the method described in claim 12.

18. Furthermore, Comparing the second diameter with one or more thresholds, When the second diameter is greater than one or more thresholds, one or more operating parameters of the cutting device are adjusted. The method according to claim 12, further comprising:

19. The method according to claim 12, further comprising mounting the measuring system to the cover of the cutting wheel, wherein the position or orientation of the measuring system on the cover is fixed with respect to the cutting wheel.

20. The method according to claim 12, wherein the measuring system is substantially a linear ruler, the one or more marks are provided on the surface of the linear ruler, and the linear ruler is positioned on the first side of the cutting wheel.

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