Machine Tool Coolant Path Switching for Dry Machining Chip Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

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

Innovation Solution

A machine tool with a controller that switches between half-wet, wet, and dry machining modes, allowing coolant supply to non-machining areas for chip removal and controlling coolant to machining areas based on user needs, using multiple coolant paths and valves or nozzles to manage coolant distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If coolant is supplied to the machining area, then chip removal is improved, but tool temperature increases and tool life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechip removalVSAvoidtool temperature

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 non-machining areas. This segmentation allows selective coolant application - the first path can be activated for chip removal when needed, while the second path provides continuous coolant to non-machining areas without affecting tool temperature, thus resolving the contradiction between chip removal and temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If coolant is supplied to remove chips, then chip removal is improved, but driving load increases and machine may stop

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechip removalVSAvoiddriving load

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant supply system is divided into a first coolant supply path for the machining area and a second coolant supply path for non-machining areas. By activating only the first path when chip removal is needed, rather than continuously supplying coolant to all areas, the system achieves effective chip removal while minimizing unnecessary coolant consumption and reducing the driving load on the driving shaft, preventing machine stoppages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Duration of action of stationary object

If coolant is not supplied to the machining area, then tool life is improved, but chip removal becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool lifeVSAvoidchip removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments coolant supply into two independent paths that can be controlled separately. The first path supplies coolant to the machining area specifically when chip removal is needed, while the second path supplies coolant to non-machining areas continuously or as needed. This allows the machining area to receive coolant only when necessary for chip removal, preserving tool life by avoiding continuous coolant exposure, while still achieving effective chip removal when the first path is activated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Duration of action of stationary object

If dry machining is performed, then tool wear is reduced, but chip removal becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool wearVSAvoidchip removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant supply system is segmented into a first path for the machining area and a second path for non-machining areas. This enables a hybrid approach where the machining area can operate in a dry or reduced-coolant mode to minimize tool wear, while the second path ensures adequate coolant supply to non-machining areas for chip removal. The first path can be activated selectively based on chip removal needs, allowing the system to achieve effective chip removal while reducing overall coolant exposure to the tool, thus addressing both tool wear and chip removal requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient chip removal and tool life extension by selectively supplying coolant, meeting user demands for dry or wet machining modes, reducing tool wear and machine load, and preventing machine stoppages.

Implementation Method 1

a coolant is supplied to a non-machining area to remove chips in the machine tool during machining

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

reducing temperature variations in the tool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer:

Data Source

PatentUS12459070B2Machine tool, and control apparatus and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 DMG MORI CO LTD

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.