Why CNC Machines Need Industrial Chillers

Contenuto Nascondere

1 Why CNC Machines Need Industrial Chillers

1.1 What is CNC machine?

1.2 Why CNC machines overheating?

1.2.1 Spindle rotation

1.2.2 Frictional heat generation

1.2.3 Motor and driver heating

1.2.4 Hydraulic system heating

1.3 How does a CNC chiller help production?

1.3.1 Improve machining accuracy

1.3.2 Improve production efficiency

1.3.3 Extend service life

1.4 Better CNC Cooling System, Better CNC Machining Center

1.5 Related chillers

1.6 CONTATTO

What is CNC machine?

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) is an automated metalworking equipment that controls machine tools by computers. It controls the movement path, speed, feed rate and processing sequence of machine tools through programming languages, and can perform precision cutting, drilling, engraving and other operations on materials such as metals, plastics, and wood. CNC machine tools can control the processing error at the micron level and can process various high-precision parts with complex structures. After setting the program, the machine can operate automatically 24 hours a day, regardless of the operator’s proficiency, and can ensure the consistency of product batches.

Why CNC machines overheating?

CNC machining causes rapid heat buildup during operation. Mainly for the following reasons:

Spindle rotation

The spindle of a CNC machine is the core component that drives the tool to rotate. When processing metal, it usually runs at a speed of several thousand or even tens of thousands of revolutions per minute. There are bearings inside the spindle, and when the bearings rotate at high speed, friction and heat are generated between the bearings and housing. When the spindle temperature rises, it will expand, affecting the processing accuracy. Most production workshops use spindle oil coolers to cool the spindle to suppress thermal expansion.

Frictional heat generation

CNC machining centers process materials through cutting, which generates heat due to friction between the tool and the material. The frictional heat between the two is the main source of heat. Especially when processing hard metals such as stainless steel and titanium alloys, the friction between the tool and the material is more intense. When the friction is concentrated on the tip of the tool and a certain point of the material, the local temperature can reach hundreds or even thousands of degrees Celsius. The heat will quickly transfer from the contact point to the tool handle, spindle and other parts of the workpiece.

Motor and driver heating

CNC milling tools rely on multiple servo motors to control the movement of each axis of X, Y, and Z. When the motor is running, it consumes electrical energy, and part of the energy will be converted into heat energy. The heat conversion is more obvious when it is frequently started and stopped and when it is running at high speed. The motor driver will also heat up, and the temperature may reach above 60°C or even higher after long-term operation.Heat buildup may cause electrical failures.

Hydraulic system heating

Some large CNC machine tools and machining centers with automatic tool changing systems use hydraulic systems to control functions such as tool magazines, tool changes, clamping, and tool release. After the hydraulic oil is compressed in the pump, it will heat up rapidly. Hydraulic components such as actuators, valves, and cylinders are prone to wear, leakage or jamming due to high temperatures. Equipping the hydraulic system with a dedicated oil cooler can keep the oil temperature within the appropriate range.

How does a CNC chiller help production?

Improve machining accuracy

The CNC spindle will heat up during high-speed rotation. Unstable temperature will cause the spindle volume to change repeatedly, causing errors in the machining dimensions. If the tool does not dissipate heat in time during cutting, it will accelerate passivation and burning, affecting the machining quality of the product surface. Some materials are sensitive to temperature changes and may accumulate heat during the cutting process and cause thermal deformation, resulting in reduced precision of the finished product. The chiller can provide constant temperature cooling for the spindle, tool, and motor to improve machining accuracy.

Improve production efficiency

The CNC system has a built-in safety protection device that will force shutdown at high temperatures. After the temperature in the system rises, the system will automatically slow down to reduce heat. Some workshops use manual shutdown to wait for the machine to cool down naturally. In either case, production time will be wasted. The chiller provides 7×24 hours of continuous cooling to help the production line run stably for a long time and improve production efficiency.

Extend service life

High temperature can make the lubricating oil thinner or even carbonized, which can cause the spindle bearing to dry-grind or jam. It can also accelerate the aging of insulation, leading to servo motor failure or even damage. In addition, the rise in hydraulic oil temperature can cause the oil seal to age, affecting the stable operation of the machine. Electronic components such as inverters, PLC, and circuit boards are prone to out of control, errors, or burnout at high temperatures. The chiller can take away the heat generated by these parts in time, delay component aging, and reduce equipment maintenance costs.

Better CNC Cooling System, Better CNC Machining Center

The stable performance of CNC chillers can provide good protection for product quality and production efficiency. LNEYA has 15 years of experience in the research and development, and production of temperature control equipment and is a reliable chiller manufacturer in China. We provide standard chiller systems and customized chiller services with various performance. You can tell us any of your needs, and the chiller experts will help you choose the most suitable CNC temperature control system.