According to Norman G Clark , during the machining process, modern machine tools use coolants. Minimal quantity lubrication or compressed air for blowing out the chips is used in the case of dry machining depending on the type of material and production task.
Contrary to the past when the work piece was ‘flooded’ with coolant, the medium is today transported through the spindle and tool to the tool tip in a well-directed way. This procedure calls for a rotating union at the end of the spindle, which transfers the medium from stationary supply lines to the fast rotating spindle. These rotating unions are independent units and are called bearingless rotating unions or sealing cartridges. The development of the bearingless rotating unions shows two tendencies:
- Miniaturisation: Constantly rising speeds leads to the development of bearingless rotating unions, whereby masses are saved. Norman G Clark observe that modern machining centres must feature shorter changing times and movement around one or several axes with high precision. If mass is saved in the area of the spindle, drives can be compact, steady-state effects of masses can be reduced and energy can be saved. DEUBLIN support this approach by miniaturising the rotating unions, i.e. consistent reduction in the size of the components.
- Individualisation: Under the casing of a machining centre, customers can find different geometries of drive units which vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. In addition, customers encounter confined space or shortness of space. In order to allow the design of a high-performing system, DEUBLIN work on individual housings for rotating unions. These special designs are adjusted to the geometry and help in the installation of the component in the machine. This harmonisation benefits machine engineers and customers as it has positive effects on the maintenance. The time required for disassembly, maintenance and assembly is important. An adjusted design reduces the time required for these working steps.