US Patent:
20140196273, Jul 17, 2014
Inventors:
Alagar Krishnan Balaji - Salt Lake City UT, US
Venugopal Raghavendra Ghatikar - Salt Lake City UT, US
Assignee:
THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH RESEARCH FOUNDATION - Salt Lake City UT
THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH - Salt Lake City UT
International Classification:
B23Q 11/10
B23Q 17/00
Abstract:
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.