Cutting Fluid Selection for Grinding and Honing
Cutting fluids are used during various machining operations, including turning, drilling, milling, and grinding, for two primary purposes: to cool the cutting tool and the workpiece, and to act as a lubricant between the cutting tool and the workpiece. In grinding and honing operations, cutting fluids serve to cool and lubricate the process as work is being done. Selecting the most suitable cutting fluid for a particular grinding or honing application will depend on the process itself and the characteristics of the workpiece.
In grinding and honing applications, the main function of the cutting fluid is to cool the process. This is because the grinding and honing processes generate high temperatures due to the high speed of the grinding wheel or homing tool and the resulting friction. It is essential that the temperature not become too high as it can cause the material being worked on to lose its hardness. To cool the process, cutting fluids are delivered to the point of contact between the cutting tool and the workpiece. The type of cutting fluid and its flow rate, along with the cutting speed, will determine the amount of cooling that occurs.
The second function of cutting fluids in grinding and honing applications is to reduce friction. This is a necessary step because friction between the cutting tool and the workpiece generates heat, which can lead to a decrease in the hardness of the material as mentioned previously. Cutting fluids reduce friction by creating a film between the two parts, which effectively reduces the amount of heat generated.
In order to choose the appropriate cutting fluid for a grinding or honing operation, one must first assess the material being worked on. Different materials require different cutting fluids, and an inappropriate cutting fluid can cause damage to the workpiece. For example, some metals such as aluminum are brittle and require a cutting fluid with extreme pressure additives, whereas other materials such as steel can tolerate a more basic cutting fluid.
Once the material has been identified, the type of cutting fluid suitable for the application can be determined. Generally, for most ferrous and non-ferrous materials, synthetic water-soluble fluids such as emulsifiable oils and water-soluble synthetics offer excellent lubrication, cooling, and corrosion protection while still being relatively inexpensive. For more difficult materials, oil-based semi-synthetic fluids provide superior lubrication at higher temperatures, allowing for greater machining speeds and depths of cut.
The flow rate of the cutting fluid also needs to be considered. Too low a rate and the workpiece will overheat and lose its hardness, while too high a rate can lead to excessive dilution of the cutting fluid and a reduction in its effectiveness. Generally, a flow rate of 0.75 to 1.1 gallons per minute (gpm) is suitable for most grinding and honing applications.
Finally, the machine used for the grinding or honing process should be evaluated for compatibility with the cutting fluid chosen. Most machines are compatible with most water-soluble and semi-synthetic cutting fluids, but it is important to check the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations for any specific requirements.
In summary, the selection of the most suitable cutting fluid for a grinding and honing application will depend on the characteristics of the workpiece, the cutting fluid type, the flow rate of the fluid, and the compatibility of the machine being used. Careful consideration of these factors will ensure the successful and cost-effective completion of the project.
答：
Cutting fluids are essential for grinding and honing operations, where they serve to cool the process and reduce friction between the cutting tool and the workpiece. The selection of the most suitable cutting fluid for a particular application depends on the process itself, the material being worked on, and the characteristics of the machine being used. Generally, for most ferrous and non-ferrous materials, synthetic water-soluble fluids such as emulsifiable oils and water-soluble synthetics offer excellent lubrication, cooling, and corrosion protection while still being relatively inexpensive. Oil-based semi-synthetics provide superior lubrication at higher temperatures for more demanding applications. The flow rate of the cutting fluid should also be considered, with a flow rate of 0.75 to 1.1 gallons per minute (gpm) suitable for most applications. Careful selection of the cutting fluid for a grinding and honing operation will ensure successful and cost-effective completion of the project.
