Title: Improving grinding process economics through more effective fluid application

Authors: John A. Webster, Peter Gruen

Addresses: Owner, Cool-Grind Technologies, 673 Chaffeeville Rd, Storrs, CT 06268, USA. ' Owner, Cool-Grind Solutions, Osternadel 62, 28309 Bremen, Germany

Abstract: This paper discusses the thermal energy partitioning that occurs with different modes of grinding. It also looks at the cooling effect of grinding fluids and how they can be applied more effectively to cool and lubricate the workpiece surface. Flowrate and pressure models are used to optimise the main fluid jet that is applied to the grinding process. The heat transfer characteristics of superabrasive wheels, as compared to conventional abrasives, will also be presented and discussed. Finally, case studies are presented, that clearly show the economic and technological advantages of coherent-jet nozzles over a more conventional approach.

Keywords: grinding; coolant; jet nozzles; design; optimisation; Reynolds number; coherency; process economics; thermal energy partitioning; machining fluids; flow rate; pressure modelling; heat transfer; superabrasives; grinding wheels.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMS.2008.023224

International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems, 2008 Vol.1 No.4, pp.343 - 364

Published online: 14 Feb 2009 *

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