Pinpoint cooling jet lubrication

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He speaks of three specific current projects, dealing with the machining of turbine blades made of X20Cr13 stainless steel, turbocharger manufacturing and machining of structural components from Ti64 for an aerospace customer. Schaarschmidt estimates the best chances for implementation with the turbine blade manufacturing: “According to recent findings, therein lies the greatest potential. Machining strategies, machine concepts, materials, machined volume, quantities and tool systems used are predestined for cryogenic cooling.”

Work safety still an open issue

According to experts, cryogenic machining will be primarily relevant for the aviation industry and the energy sector. “In the automotive industry, we have also identified applications that could gain service life benefits from cryogenic cooling with an appropriately customised machining strategy.” Specific components would be structural components, turbine blades and turbochargers. “With regard to materials, we see great potential in titanium alloys like TiAl6V4, martensitic and austenitic stainless steels and highly heat-resistant steel casting.”

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So why the halting implementation? Schaarschmidt: “I believe the barriers lie in the lack of risk-taking by a technology pioneer who would contribute to the development of final series readiness. In order to find them, one or two issues must still be solved.” He is referring, for example, to CO2 deployment. Supply from bottles might not be a long-term solution for large-scale production. “To this end, we are already in contact with the relevant gas suppliers.”

Moreover, the question of safety at work has not yet been considered by an independent body yet. While appropriate sensors may be used to ensure the safety of workers, no policy for CO2 handling in machining currently exists, which major customers often demand. “We are currently planning a consortium project with end customers, machine manufacturers, system suppliers, gas suppliers and an institute that will deal with workplace safety and the corresponding independently relevant opinion,” says the Walter manager.

Finally, there is also the question of availability of CO2 technology for the different machine manufacturers. All clients have their own machinery, but not every machine manufacturer has the technology. “Although retrofitting is in many cases possible, CO2 technology is primarily discussed in the context of new purchases,” reports Schaarschmidt. Modifications would involve additional costs estimated at around €50,000.

(ID:43609786)

Cutting tools

Pinpoint cooling jet lubrication

Work safety still an open issue