During dimensional machining of a polymer-coated precision valve spool, a Norton 80 grit grinding wheel generates temperatures of up to 450 degrees F. A traditional coolant-lubricant approach requires interrupted processing to provide substrate dimensional control due to thermal expansion, in particular the polymer-metal interface.
A composite CO2 machining fluid spray (Air, MQL-Soy oil and carbon dioxide particles) directed into the grinding zone is able to maintain substrate temperatures to under 90 degrees F. Efficient removal of excess heat with minimal oil lubrication during precision grinding allows the machining operation to proceed to completion in a single and continuous step with reduced cycle time and improved dimensional stability.
An additional benefit of using this unique machining fluid technology with precision grinding includes a potential for significantly reducing wheel dressing intervals. In this particular application a 50% increase in parts production was realized between wheel dressing intervals.
David Jackson serves as the Chief Technology Officer for Cool Clean Technologies, Inc, based in Eagan, MN. He may be reached via e-mail at david.jackson@coolclean.com.
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