Multiple zone cooling apparatus

摘要

A cooling assembly for a machine tool including at least first and second nozzle rings mounted on the spindle housing, respectively defining first and second coolant conduits and respectively including first and second pluralities of nozzles in fluid communication with the respective conduit. Each first nozzle is oriented with an outlet thereof directed toward a first machining zone containing cutting edges of at last one tool having a first length. Each second nozzle is oriented with an outlet thereof directed toward a second machining zone different from the first machining zone and containing the cutting edges of at least one tool having a second length.

主权项

1. A method of machining a part with a machine tool having a stationary spindle housing supporting a spindle for rotating a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable cutting tools about an axis of rotation, the method comprising:
engaging a first one of the tools with the spindle such that cutting edges of the first tool are located in a first machining zone extending along a first portion of the axis of rotation; directing coolant fluid to the first machining zone using a first nozzle ring mounted on the housing and including first nozzles directing the coolant fluid toward the first machining zone; machining the part with the first tool; removing the first tool from the spindle; engaging a second one of the tools with the spindle such that cutting edges of the second tool are located in a second machining zone extending along a second portion of the axis of rotation, the second portion of the axis of rotation and the first portion of the axis of rotation at least partially overlapping; directing the coolant fluid to the second machining zone using the first nozzle ring and a second nozzle ring simultaneously, the second nozzle ring mounted on the housing and including second nozzles directing the coolant fluid toward the second machining zone; and machining the part with the second tool.