An optoelectronical method for in process monitoring of flank wear of cutting tools is presented. The method is based upon real-time vision technology in which the tool is illuminated by a beam of laser and then the image of wear zone is taken by a vidicon camera. The image is converted to a series of digital pixel data and processed through an algorithm specially developed for measurement of the wear land width. Detailed aspects of the prototype measurement system byilt for experiment are described, and test results are discussed. As conclusions, it is proved that the methods are effec- tive especially for-in situ application with a measuring accuracy of 0.01mm.