A Novel Cooling System to Reduce Thermally-Induced Errors of Machine Tools

This study explores a method to reduce thermally-induced errors of machine tools through temperature stabilization with compressed air. The method uses inexpensive, specially-shaped, silicon tubing with small slits. Compressed air forced through such tubing increases heat dissipation from the surface through Coanda-effect cooling. This paper describes experiments performed on a simulated heat source as well as a turning center to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the method. The results show that this system, which can easily be applied to existing machines, can significantly reduce thermal drift and may be a viable alternative to other methods to reduce thermally-induced errors.