Mill Flood Coolant Rings and Collars

When I started CNC'ing, I used a coolant mister. Eventually, I got a full enclosure and went to flood coolant. There were various updates such as a Tramp Oil Skimmer. Another potential upgrade is a better system of nozzles to make sure the coolant is always clearing chips as much as possible.

The exact nozzle arrangement can really make a difference. We've all had situations where the stream of coolant was blocked or otherwise wasn't really getting the job done. They make programmable coolant nozzles precisely because every situation and potentially even every single tool is different.

Some say the ultimate arrangement is a coolant ring or collar. The idea is that by coming at the cut from all directions of the compass, and from an angle as close to the spindle axis as possible, the coolant will almost always be perfectly aimed without needing constant adjustment. I do like this idea and wanted to keep an Idea Notebook to collect plenty of grist for my mill (so to speak) when I do get ready to design a collar.

A spindle coolant collar is a very handy thing indeed. Firstly, it provides a convenient way for the coolant nozzles to track the activity of the mill in a more elegant and permanent way than the magnetic versions that are available. This ensures that once the nozzles are lined up properly, they'll do the right thing wherever the spindle wanders. Second, there are numerous reports that the darned things can also help cool down your spindle bearings, which seems like a darned thoughtful thing to be doing as well to me.

There are designs by talented machinists as well as CNC manufacturers pictured below.

Coolant Ring on a Haas DM...

Hurco coolant ring...

The Widgitmaster's Coolant Collar...

Thomas Powell's Coolant Collar...