An investigation of a heat pipe cooling system for use in turning on a lathe

A novel proposal is presented in this paper for reducing the thermal inaccuracy of turning on a lathe by removing the portion of the heat generated during the cutting process which is transferred to the carbide cutting insert by installing a heat pipe in the toolholder. The ability of the heat pipe to affect the temperature of the carbide cutting insert and the elongation of the toolholder is inferred from the response of thermocouples and strain gauges mounted on the toolholder to the heat generated during various cutting conditions. The results of the experimental investigation have proved the feasibility of the concept and recommendations have been made for continuing the research and improving the performance of the system.