Verifying a Load-Dependent Cooling System for Machine Tools Focusing on Deformation and Energy Efficiency

Today’s machine tools are equipped with cooling systems for various subsystems of the machine. Due to higher cutting speeds and higher accuracy demands, cooling is necessary. Cooling systems for today’s machine tools are typically driven by pumps operating at a constant speed. The pumps deliver a constant amount of coolant regardless of the current state of the machine tool. The total energy consumption of the fluidic cooling system is between 20 - 30 % of the total energy consumption of the machine tool. This paper presents a variable volume flow cooling system and evaluates it at a real five axes machine through displacement measurements at a test workpiece.