SBIR Phase II: Micro-quantity Internal Cooling (MQuIC) of Cutting Tools for Increased Productivity via Micro-ducts

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research aims to develop and commercialize cutting tools with internal micro-geometric features to provide relatively direct and localized cooling of the tool-chip contact zone. The proposed innovation is (i) incorporation of micro-scale internal features and (ii) a production process that can provide high-volume manufacturing of these modified cutting tool inserts. Conventional approaches of using coatings for effective cooling during machining have limited effectiveness, but the proposed approach is claimed to provide a novel method of providing internal cooling mechanism to machine difficult-to-machine (DTM) materials. If successful, this technology will enable better tool-life during the machining of hard-to-machine materials at finish feeds, which can have tremendous impact for machining of DTM alloys. By requiring minimal coolant use due to effective heat transfer from machining operation, the research will lead to new manufacturing methods with a positive impact on environmental pollution.