A new proposal for tool-life analysis: response surface modelling of the flank wear progression. Fabio Miani*, Renato Guseo**, Cinzia Mortarino**, Roberto Meneghello*** * DIEGM Via delle Scienze 208 I -33100 Udine Italy ** DSS Via S. Francesco 33 I- 35121 Padova Italy *** DIMEG Universita' di Padova Via Venezia I-35131 Padova Italy miani@uniud.it guseo@hal.stat.unipd.it, mortarin@hal.stat.unipd.it meneghel@ux1.unipd.it ABSTRACT: In this work a new proposal for tool life analysis is proposed, based on the idea that it should be possible to exploit fully the data collected in tool-life experiments. An outline of Taylor equation and generalisations is discussed, underlying a possible weakness in the procedure proposed by ISO 3685 standard. After a brief review of linear multiple regression analysis, a new simple modelling of the flank wear progression, based on response surfaces depending on the logarithm of the cutting time and of the process variables is presented. Some simple equations prove that the new modelling is compatible with the Taylor equation and generalisations and a worked example from some experimental work is outlined. KEYWORDS: tool-life testing, wear, statistical analysis