MQL Spindle and Lance Layout for Faster Mist Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Minimal Quantity Lubrication (MQL) technology faces challenges in discharging mist mixing oil and air effectively at the start of the cutting process, leading to low discharge responsiveness and chip separation issues, and there is a need for a method to evaluate this responsiveness regardless of the cutting tool type.
Innovation Solution
A cutting processing system with a spindle-mounted cutting tool, a lance for supplying oil and air in a non-mixed state, and a rotary union for controlled air and oil supply, along with a performance test paper to evaluate discharge responsiveness, utilizing a pneumatic unit and oil supply unit for improved mist discharge and chip separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If MQL technology supplies minimum amount of oil to cutting area, then floor pollution and odor are prevented, but discharge responsiveness at start of cutting process is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the supply of oil and air into separate channels. The lance includes an internal pipe for oil supply and an external pipe for air supply, allowing independent control of each fluid's delivery timing and pressure, thereby enabling rapid mist discharge without pre-mixing
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for rapid mist discharge by pre-positioning the lance inside the spindle with separate oil and air supply paths. The rotary union pre-pressurizes both oil and air independently, so that when cutting starts, the mist is discharged immediately without delay for mixing
2Object-affected harmful factors
If MQL technology supplies minimum amount of oil, then oil leakage is prevented, but chip separation from processing portion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic pressure to deliver air through the external pipe of the lance to the cutting area. This pressurized air flow effectively separates chips from the processing portion without requiring additional oil, maintaining the benefits of minimal oil application while improving chip evacuation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of air pressure to enhance chip separation. By independently controlling and pressurizing the air supply through the rotary union, the system achieves effective chip evacuation while maintaining minimal oil application
3Reliability
If mist is discharged through cutting tool, then cutting performance is improved, but discharge responsiveness is low due to oil formation at boundary
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the mixing process from the boundary area of the lance and performs it inside the cutting tool. The oil and air are supplied separately through the lance to the cutting tool, where they mix and discharge through the tool's lubrication discharge path, eliminating the boundary formation issue and improving discharge responsiveness
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
The system enhances mist discharge responsiveness and smooth chip separation by supplying air and oil in a non-mixed state and at increased pressure, allowing for effective evaluation of discharge performance across various cutting tools.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic unit for supplying the air to the rotary union
Implementation Method 2
an oil supply unit for supplying the oil to the rotary union
Implementation Method 3
a rotary union mounted on the end portion of the spindle for supplying the oil and the air to the lance in a non-mixed state
Implementation Method 4
discharge a minimum amount of mist mixing oil and air to the cut portion
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting processing system includes: a spindle mounted with a cutting tool in which a lubrication discharge path is formed along the central axis thereof for rotating the cutting tool; a lance provided inside the spindle in order to supply oil and air to the cutting tool; and a rotary union mounted on the end portion of the spindle for supplying the oil and the air to the lance in a non-mixed state.