ABSTRACT
Coolant is a term generally used to describe grinding fluids for cooling and lubrication in grinding. The main purpose of grinding fluids is to minimize mechanical, thermal, and chemical impact between the abrasive material and the workpiece material during the abrasive process. The lubricating effect of a grinding fluid reduces friction between the abrasive grains and the workpiece, as well as between the bond and the workpiece. A second effect of a grinding fluid is the direct cooling of the grinding contact zone, where temperatures are highest through the absorption and transportation of the heat generated in the grinding process. Other effects of a grinding fluid are the evacuation of chips from the contact zone, bulk cooling of the workpiece outside the grinding contact zone, bulk cooling of the grinding machine, and corrosion protection (König and Klocke 1996; Marinescu et al. 2004, 2013; Rowe 2014). This chapter introduces basic factors and coolant properties relating to the application of coolants in grinding. Basic elements of coolant systems for coolant delivery are also introduced. Particular aspects of coolant requirements and thermal aspects of the grinding process are also described in other chapters such as Chapter 7 (Dressing), Chapter 16 (Surface Grinding), and Chapter 17 (External Cylindrical Grinding). Basic factors relating to effectiveness and evaluation of process cooling by application of coolants is described in Section 10.11.
