Behavior, cutting property and enviromental load of machine tool in mist of strong alkaline water

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 behavior of a machine tool in mist of strong alkaline water were investigated and evaluated. Properties of strong alkaline water were firstly investigated for alkali-proof, corrosion and safety of health. Then the bench lathe was remodeled in the vessel with mist of strong alkaline water (pH12.5), thermal deformation between the spindle and the tool post was measured for evaluation of accuracy. And cutting using CNC milling machine in the vessel with mist of strong alkaline water 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 and safety of health were cleared in the experiment, (2) Thermal deformation of the bench lathe was very small in spite of no-forced cooling, (3) Accuracy of the machine tool was very good and the tool life was very long in spite of no-cutting oil, (4) Mist of strong alkaline was eco-friendly.