Development of Technology Regarding Soaking Machine Tool in Strong Alkaline Water for Reduction of CO₂

Abstract

In the 21^st century, as it is important to produce products with care for protecting the earth, a producer must be careful to conserve energy, save resources and reduce waste which pollutes environment. On the other hand, in case of a machine tool, much lubricating oil was used for smooth drive, electrical energy of forced cooling was used for high accuracy, and much cutting oil was also used for lubrication and cooling. This is large problem for protecting the earth. Therefore the soaking machine tool in strong alkaline water were developed and evaluated. Several elements of a machine tool were firstly investigated for alkali-proof. Then the bench lathe was remodeled and soaked in the vessel with strong alkaline water (pH12.5), thermal deformation between the spindle and the tool post was measured for evaluation of accuracy. And turning using the bench lathe was performed for investigating the effect of water evaporation in the strong alkaline water. It is concluded from the results that; (1) Alkali-proof regarding several elements of a machine tool were cleared in the experiment, (2) Thermal deformation of the bench lathe for bathing was very small in spite of no-forced cooling, (3) Accuracy of the machne tool was very good and the tool life was very long in spite of no-cutting oil, (4) The soaking machine tool in strong alkaline water was economical and eco-friendly.