KÜHLFLUSSIGKEITZUFÜHRSYSTEM MIT VERÄNDERLICHEM VOLUMEN

A variable volume coolant system for delivering liquid coolant to the interface defined between a machine tool and a workpiece to be abraded to a desired size and curvature. A first conduit path is defined between a source of liquid coolant and a nozzle for delivering coolant to the gap defined between the machine tool and the workpiece; a second conduit path is also defined between the source of liquid coolant and the nozzle. A first valve, such as a solenoid valve, controls the flow of liquid coolant through the first conduit path, while a second valve performs the same function for the second conduit path. The first conduit path possesses a greater volume than the second conduit path. By selectively adjusting the first and second valves, a high volume flow of liquid coolant is maintained over most of the machining operation, while a greatly diminished, low volume flow is established toward the completion of the machining operation. The coolant system is always "on", so that some liquid coolant reaches the gap. In summary, the foregoing system functions to vary the volume of coolant delivered to the tool-workpiece interface at different points in time; high volumes of liquid coolant are delivered during high stock removal points in the machining operation, or cycle, and low volumes of coolant are delivered when stock removal is low and the final geometry of the workpiece is being created.