A performance simulator for grinding coolant evaluation

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to simplify the testing of coolants for grinding in the automotive industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A simple equipment is developed to test the coolant, by simulating the coolant‐grinding wheel‐workpiece interface and measuring in terms of grinding parameters.

Findings

It was found that the simulator could indicate the performance trends that closely match the actual grinding conditions.

Research limitations/implications

Since this is a general system, it has to be customised with individual settings of the machining parameters for a meaningful interpretation and for comparison between machines.

Practical implications

This equipment will simplify the selection of coolants for grinding and serve as a pre‐qualifier before approving for trials in full‐scale shopfloor conditions.

Originality/value

The design of the equipment is new and provides an alternate for the otherwise costly, full‐scale evaluation of coolants on the shopfloor.

Citation

Lavanya, T.D. and Annamalai, V.E. (2012), "A performance simulator for grinding coolant evaluation", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 64 No. 4, pp. 224-229. https://doi.org/10.1108/00368791211232771