CRYO-powRgrip Cryogenic Coolant Technology

July 02, 2019
CRYO-powRgrip Cryogenic Coolant Technology

REGO-FIX offers a new cryogenic coolant technology based on the powRgrip system. Called CRYO-powRgrip (PG-CRYO), the system is produced in conjunction with a European supplier of carbon dioxide (CO2) coolant and targets customer needs to boost productivity and eliminate secondary cleaning operations, especially for medical industry part-production operations. The PG-CRYO line of engineered solutions also enables optimized high-speed cutting in the toughest materials.

Initially created for the medical industry, which requires contaminate-free coolant technology for cleaner parts, the PG-CRYO system is an application-specific solution based on standard toolholders that guides the cooling medium directly to the cutting edge for significant increases in tool life and productivity. In addition to higher cutting parameters, the new holders – and the quick dissipation of gaseous CO2 following cooling – allow for improved surface finishes and improved chip recyclability at the same time that they eliminate coolant disposal and workpiece cleaning.

Much like the approach used for minimum quantity lubrication (MQL), coolant lance diameters of the PG-CRYO are precisely tailored for individual applications and serve as a key innovation for achieving optimal CO2 flow and placement. With metallic sealed collets and cooling CF slots, as well as special HSK coolant tubes, the new design prevents CO2 from pooling inside the holder, where it may cause the spindle to ice over, or on the workpiece itself, where it might create cold-affected zones. 

The first PG-CRYO device was based on the PG 15 system, but as an engineered solution, the approach can be adapted to standard holders per manufacturers’ individual part-production needs.

Related Glossary Terms

  • coolant

    coolant

    Fluid that reduces temperature buildup at the tool/workpiece interface during machining. Normally takes the form of a liquid such as soluble or chemical mixtures (semisynthetic, synthetic) but can be pressurized air or other gas. Because of water’s ability to absorb great quantities of heat, it is widely used as a coolant and vehicle for various cutting compounds, with the water-to-compound ratio varying with the machining task. See cutting fluid; semisynthetic cutting fluid; soluble-oil cutting fluid; synthetic cutting fluid.