3D-Printed Cutting Tool Cooling Ducts for Targeted Coolant Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cutting tools with cooling ducts are limited by manufacturing constraints, making it difficult to achieve efficient and targeted cooling and lubrication of the process zone, particularly when curved ducts are required.
Innovation Solution
The use of generative manufacturing methods, such as 3D printing, allows for the design and production of cutting tools with cooling ducts and outlet cross-sections that can be optimized for precise coolant delivery, featuring elongate or slit-shaped outlet sections that align closely with the cutting edge, enabling efficient and uniform cooling and lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cooling ducts are produced by conventional drilling operations, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but the cooling ducts are limited to straight bores and curved ducts must be approximated by multiple straight sections, reducing cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing method from conventional drilling to generative manufacturing (3D printing), enabling continuous curved cooling ducts with precise geometry while maintaining cost-effectiveness. This parameter change in the manufacturing process allows the cooling ducts to be produced as single continuous paths rather than approximated straight sections.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional drilling methods are used for cooling ducts, then manufacturing is easier, but the outlet cross-sections are limited in shape and cannot be optimized for specific cooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing approach to generative manufacturing, which enables outlet cross-sections with arbitrary shapes to be produced directly. This allows optimization of outlet geometry for specific cooling requirements while keeping the manufacturing process simple and cost-effective.
3Ease of manufacture
If curved cooling ducts are manufactured by drilling operations, then the manufacturing process remains simple, but the ducts must be approximated by multiple straight bore sections, increasing device complexity and reducing cooling effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing method to generative manufacturing, which produces continuous curved cooling ducts as single integrated structures. This eliminates the need for multiple straight bore sections and their associated complexity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting tool, in particular for machining metal, is described. It comprises a tool main body that has at least one interface for receiving a cutting insert that can be attached to the tool main body. At least one cooling duct is provided in the tool main body and has, at its end on the interface side, an outlet section with an elongate outlet cross-section on the interface side. The tool main body is manufactured at least in sections by means of a generative manufacturing process. A method for manufacturing such a cutting tool is also presented.