The COOLNT Command [MLE]

The COOLNT command is used to control the coolant type on the machine, typically using M07, M08 and M09 codes. This command is valid for mills, lathes and EDMs, but some or all features may not be available on a specific machine. The following COOLNT command functions are available:

Primary Coolant

\textbf{COOLNT /} \begin{pmatrix} \begin{array}{l} \textbf{ON} \\ \textbf{FLOOD} \\ \textbf{MIST} \\ \textbf{TAPKUL} \\ \textbf{THRU} \\ \mathit{custom\_type} \,\end{array}\end{pmatrix} \big[ ,\textbf{NOW} \,\big]

\textbf{COOLNT / OFF } \big[ ,\textbf{ALL} \,\big]

This command activates or deactivates primary coolant for the machine. ON starts dielectric fluid for EDMs and restarts primary coolant for other machine types. If COOLNT/ON is coded at the start of a program before a specific type is established, the QUEST specified default type will be used. OFF stops dielectric fluid for EDMs and stops the primary coolant for other machine types. The OFF,ALL keyword combination stops all active primary and auxiliary coolant types.

The remaining options are valid for mills and lathes, but not EDMs.

FLOOD coolant is generally used when removing large amounts of material. MIST coolant is used for finishing operations. TAPKUL is used to specify a special oil compound for threading and tapping. THRU coolant is generally used with tools that pipe the coolant at high pressure through the tool. The post-processor may support other QUEST defined custom coolant types. Custom types are identified by a single keyword or a keyword pair.

NOW forces the activation code out immediately, overriding any QUEST specified default action of the post-processor that might delay the coolant activation to the next feed or plunge motion. Delayed application of coolant is only available for the primary coolant; it is not available for auxiliary coolant or coolant pressure settings.

Coolant Pressure

\textbf{COOLNT / PRSSUR}, \begin{pmatrix} \begin{array}{l} \textbf{ON} \\ \textbf{OFF} \\ \\ \textbf{HIGH} \\ \textbf{LOW} \\ \\ \begin{bmatrix}\,\begin{array}{l} \textbf{BAR} \\ \textbf{PA} \\ \textbf{PSI} \\ \textbf{TORR} \end{array} \, , \, \end{bmatrix} \mathit{value} \end{array} \end{pmatrix}

This command, available for mills and lathes, sets the coolant pressure at the machine if available. The ON and OFF keywords activate or deactivate the high pressure coolant pump.

HIGH and LOW output the maximum and minimum supported pressure codes. A pressure value can be specified in bars, Pascals, pounds per square inch or torrs. The pressure unit keyword can be specified after the value if desired. If omitted, the QUEST defined pressure units are assumed. The PRSSUR keyword can be omitted except when specifying ON or OFF.

Auxiliary Coolant

\textbf{COOLNT / } \mathit{custom\_type} \begin{bmatrix} ,\! \begin{array}{l} \textbf{ON} \\ \textbf{OFF} \end{array} \, \end{bmatrix}

This command, available for mills and lathes, activates and deactivates auxiliary coolant devices on the machine. Auxiliary coolant devices are those that can be activated independent of the primary coolant (e.g., coolant on a steady-rest). Auxiliary coolant devices, if available, are unique to each post-processor. They are identified by a single keyword or a keyword pair. ON activates the auxiliary coolant (the default). OFF deactivates the auxiliary coolant.

Primary coolant, auxiliary coolant and coolant pressure settings can all be combined on the same post-processor command. For example:

COOLNT/FLOOD,STDYRS,PRSSUR,HIGH