Energy Efficient Machining with Optimized Coolant Lubrication Flow Rates

Nowadays, reducing the energy consumption is an important step to optimize machine tools. In general use, high pressure pumps of inner cooling lubricant supply are dominant energy consumers in machine tools and thus offer great possible savings. This paper presents and discusses several approaches to optimize the energy consumption of machine tools by controlling and reducing the coolant flow rate. Measurements of the machine power input show total saving potentials of up to 37 percent, while investigations of tool wear examine the aspect of technological risks. The feed rate is identified as a significant influencing factor, which interacts between the tool wear and and the optimal lubrication flow rate in milling and drilling operations.