Coolant supply lines & nozzles

John Webster, MD, Cool-Grind Technologies, states: "We are looking forward to working closely with Master Abrasives on grinding application development projects. Master is one of the leading suppliers of grinding wheels, superabrasives and dressing tools to the market. Together we will really be offering the UK abrasive marketplace complete solutions and optimisation for applications.”

Master Abrasives’ MD, Paul Batson, says: "Although the function of the grinding fluid is primarily to cool the component, it also has to cool the grinding wheel, which is very important with resin-bonded diamond wheels. It also has to allow the lubricants in the grinding fluid to perform correctly, especially important with single-layer superabrasive wheels. As well as flush the chips from the machine and workpiece area, and clean the wheel, often through the use of high power jets, especially when grinding ductile materials using water-based grinding fluid.

"Unfortunately the method of applying fluid into a grinding process is a highly neglected area. However, if done correctly it can have a significant influence on the surface finish, surface integrity and productivity achieved. Significant benefits can often be achieved with superabrasive grinding wheels, by improved grinding fluid application.”

Improvements include reduced dressing frequency, due to less loading with work material, and more effective use of the EP additives into the process; a harder grade of grinding wheel can be applied, improving form holding and reducing dressing frequency; thermal damage of the workpiece material is reduced, allowing higher removal rates and greater throughput; reduction in entrained air (foaming), misting and vapour problems.

Cool-Grind has developed a starter kit box-set with 49 nozzles, manifolds, a range of pipe fittings and installation tools included. The nozzles can be configured to suit any wheel profile, and fit most cylindrical, surface, internal, and creepfeed grinding machines. There is enough in the kit for customers to install the advanced coolant delivery technology on up to 20 machine tools.

"Cool-Grind nozzles are based on round and rectangular coherent jets, and produce a focused stream of coolant at higher pressure than stock nozzles – up to 100 psi. When applied at the optimum coolant flowrate and pressure, these nozzles have a number of advantages over plastic, bent tube, or fabricated nozzles,” Batson explains.