System and method for dispensing a minimum quantity of cutting fluid

摘要

Devices, systems, and methods are provided for controlling a quantity of cutting fluid dispensed for a cutting tool within a CNC or other machining system. The devices, systems, and methods may include controlling multiple fluids such that coolant, lubricant, or other fluids can be delivered at different locations, at different flow rates, have their flow rates changed independently, and/or have their flow rates changed dynamically during a machining operation. In some embodiments, a feedback loop or input may be provided to obtain and/or provide information regarding the machining operation—such as cutting force, cutting temperature, cutting friction, machining operation, tool in use, work piece geometry, and/or material—and automatically and/or independently modify the fluid flow rates. The fluid may be atomized with air or other gases to minimize the quantities of fluid used. Components in the system may be modular to allow the system to be used with existing and new machining technologies.

主权项

1. A cutting fluid dispensing system, comprising:
a fluid reservoir; a fluid transport control system hydraulically linked to said fluid reservoir, said fluid transport control system configured to retrieve a fluid from said fluid reservoir; an air source; an air transport control system pneumatically linked to said air source, said air transport control system configured to receive air from said air source; and a processing component communicatively linked to said fluid transport control system and said air transport control system, wherein said processing component is configured to dynamically control at least one of one or more air flow conditions using said air transport control system or one or more fluid flow conditions using said fluid transport control system during a machining operation.