CFD simulation to optimize the internal coolant channels of an additively manufactured milling tool
Abstract
The emerging heat in machining processes has a negative influence on tool wear. Part of the thermal energy is dissipated by supplying cutting fluid. The cutting fluid supply through conventionally manufactured, sharp-edged coolant channels leads to non-optimal cutting fluid flow behavior. By optimizing the coolant channel geometry using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, the cutting fluid flow inside the coolant channel can be optimized. The simulation approach increased the cutting fluid volumetric flow rate by 24 %. Due to the volumetric flow rate increase the cooling effect is improved, which results in longer tool life.
