Coolant delivery systems vary in CNC machining
Machining utilizing CNC tech has multiple uses in fabrication and manufacturing applications. Machining is mostly essential in scenarios needing the production of huge quantities of fabricated items. Among the most vital parts of the machining process is coolant. It is widely used to temper high temperatures typical during machining and helps in chip evacuation. Below are various types of coolant delivery modes used in CNC machines and their applications.
Overview of types CNC coolant delivery systems
Coolant is delivered in various forms, both in pressure and properties. The most popular coolant forms include flood coolant, mist, air, high pressure, and Minimum Quantity Lubricant (MQL). Read more about types of CNC machine coolant in our previous article!
Inappropriate coolant pressure can result in part or tool damages. On the other hand, the wrong coolant amount exhausts your resources. Delivery systems are important for maintaining your equipment’s functionality, so here are the most common types of CNC coolant delivery systems:
1 | Flooding Systems
The flooding method streams huge coolant quantities on the machine and the workpiece. It is a low-pressure method creating lubricity and removes chips to prevent chip recutting. The flooding system allows for easy debris handling during the machining process.
2 | Misting Systems
This low-pressure coolant type is adequate for scenarios where heat and chip evacuation are not a major concern. This coolant system releases a fluid usually atomized into tiny particles. As such, the coolant is released in the form of mist or fog when applied to the machine surface or workpiece. It delivers better lubrication, mostly in top-speed uses.
3 | Air Coolant System
This system cools and clears chips with no lubricity intentions. It does not cool as effectively as water or oil-based coolants. Air coolant is mostly preferred over alternative types that come in direct contact with the part when it comes to sensitive materials. An instance is with plastics, where thermal shock or rapid contraction and expansion of a part can happen if a direct coolant is applied.
4 | Jetting Systems
This coolant method frees the coolant liquid at elevated pressures. It is almost similar to the flood coolant system but delivered in higher than 1,000 psi.
It is an excellent option for chip evacuation and removal since it blasts the chip away from the component. Unfortunately, the jetting system pressure can be so high that it can break miniature diameter tooling. It is often used in drilling operations and is delivered through coolant via tooling.
5 | Minimum Quantity Lubricant (MQL)
Many machine shops opt for MQL due to its cost and performance efficiency and environmental benefits. The appropriate coolant amount will significantly reduce your costs and wasted material. The MQL is mostly applied as an aerosol or a very fine mist to provide adequate coolant to conduct a particular operation effectively.
Which type of CNC coolant delivery system do you need?
The efficiency and precision delivered by CNC machining are impossible without the proper coolant. You ought to practice appropriate maintenance to ensure the CNC machines and coolant delivery systems are functioning normally. Coolant can be applied as mist, air, flooding form, or high pressure. Fortunately, some machines are compatible with the Minimum Quantity Lubricant system that effectively restricts the coolant amount being applied to avoid wasting resources.
If you aren’t sure what method is needed for your equipment or job, contact us to get your questions answered!
