University of Ljubljana (Knowledge transfer office)

The Knowledge Transfer Office of the University of Ljubljana acts as a bridge between the fields of research and business. We support researchers and students with ideas and potential innovations and as an access point for companies on the lookout for technology, knowledge, or project partnerships.

Kongresni trg 12 1000 Ljubljana

Green cutting of metals – Ensuring the flow of the liquid phase of the cryogenic medium into the cutting zone

managed by University of Ljubljana

TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION

Background
Cutting processes result in high thermal and mechanical loads of cutting tools. As a sustainable alternative to conventional oil emulsions, nitrogen can be used as a refrigerant; but nitrogen in gaseous form has poor lubricating properties.
Description of the Invention
The invention is a continuous liquid phase supply system for the cryogenic medium with phase separator that supplies the liquid phase to the cutting zone while the separated gaseous phase is used to isolate the flow of the liquid phase and create an inert atmosphere in the rigid cutting zone.

BENEFITS

Other advantages of the invention are:
- better cooling and lubricating effect,
more localized supply of liquid nitrogen,
- economical usage of liquid nitrogen (lowe consumption),
improving the performance of the cutting process (longer tool life);
- improving product performance (improved integrity of the treated surface)

LIMITATIONS

N.A.

APPLICATIONS

Manufacturing processes, cutting processes, cryogenic cutting.

MATERIALS

Readiness Level (TRL)

5
technology validated in relevant environment(The pie chart refers to the entire portfolio contained in the database of the helpdesk)

Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) are a method of estimating technology maturity of Critical Technology Elements (CTE) of a program during the acquisition process. The use of TRLs enables consistent, uniform, discussions of technical maturity across different types of technology.

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STATUS

Current status

Patent pending

AVAILABILITY

Available for

Licensing or Assignment

INVENTOR / TEAM

Franci Pušavec, Luka Sterle, Damir Grguraš

EU-Japan Centre
European CommissionMeti