A comparison of the cooling effects of compressed cold air and coolant for cylindrical grinding with a CBN wheel

In the grinding process, the coolant has a great influence on the environment. It contains chlorine, sulfur and phosphorus to improve the grinding efficiency. These additives, however, degenerate the workplace atmosphere and in the end cause environmental pollution. This study focused on the effects of compressed cold air when the spindle shaft materials (SCM4 and SCM21) were cylindrically ground with CBN wheels. The cooling effect of compressed cold air was introduced and compared with that of coolant. To secure a lower air temperature, a constant-temperature water bath and vortex tube were used. The compressed cold air was very effective in minimizing thermal defects on the surface layer. Moreover, it could also play a role in solving the environmental problems.