Method and apparatus for working on a workpiece, using foamed working liquid in area of contact between the workpiece and working tool

摘要

A method and apparatus for physically processing a workpiece (14, 32, 40, 52) by contact of a working tool (16, 28, 36, 50) with the workpiece, wherein a mass of bubbles (20, 34, 42, 48, 150) of a working liquid (62) is applied to an area of contact between said working tool and said workpiece. The apparatus includes a foaming device (10, 29, 38, 46, 136) for foaming the working liquid to produce the mass of bubbles, so as to deliver the mass of bubbles, which may contains air or inert gas such as argon. A nozzle (12) may be connected to the foaming device, or the nozzle (12a, 136) may incorporate a foaming mechanism or head.