Machine Tool Coolant Mode Switching for Chip Removal and Tool Life

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools face challenges in meeting user requirements for both dry machining to reduce temperature variations and tool wear while effectively managing chip removal without excessive driving load and machine stoppages.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool with a controller that switches between half-wet, wet, and dry machining modes, using separate coolant supply paths and valves to manage coolant application to machining and non-machining areas, allowing chip removal without coolant in the machining area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If coolant is supplied to the machining area during machining, then chip removal is improved, but temperature variations in the tool increase and tool life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechip removal efficiencyVSAvoidtool temperature variation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant supply system is segmented into multiple independent paths: a first coolant supply path supplies coolant to the machining area for chip removal, while a second coolant supply path supplies coolant to the tool holder or spindle area for temperature control. This segmentation allows independent control of chip removal and temperature management functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of stationary object

If coolant is not supplied to the machining area, then tool life is extended and temperature variations are reduced, but chip removal becomes insufficient and driving load on the shaft increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool lifeVSAvoidchip removal efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant supply system is segmented into multiple independent paths: a first coolant supply path supplies coolant to the machining area for chip removal, while a second coolant supply path supplies coolant to the tool holder or spindle area for temperature control. This segmentation allows independent control of chip removal and temperature management functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If coolant is supplied to remove chips, then chip removal is improved, but driving load on the shaft becomes excessive and machine stops with alarm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechip removal efficiencyVSAvoiddriving load on shaft

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant supply system is segmented into multiple independent paths: a first coolant supply path supplies coolant to the machining area for chip removal, while a second coolant supply path supplies coolant to the tool holder or spindle area for temperature control. This segmentation allows independent control of chip removal and temperature management functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4098397B1Machine tool, and control device and control method for same

Publication Date: 2026.04.15 DMG MORI CO LTD

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AI summary

To perform cleaning in a machine while meeting a user's requirement to perform machining without supplying a coolant to a work or a tool, a machine tool that performs machining for a work using a tool includes a controller that performs mode switching between a half-wet machining mode in which a coolant is supplied to a non-machining area to remove chips in the machine tool during machining, and no coolant is supplied to a machining area, and at least one of a wet machining mode in which the coolant is supplied to the machining area and a dry machining mode in which no coolant is not supplied into the machine tool.