Vortex Tube Tool Cooling Systems

All Metal Parts, Stainless Steel Body, Quiet – Under 70 dBA, Tests Show Frigid-X® Constantly Quieter Than Competition!

The Frigid-X® Tool Cooling System is the ideal product to improve dry machining applications.   There is a move away from traditional flood cooling systems where possible, because of the rising cost of handling and even disposal cost of flood coolant.   Machines are being designed to deal with many issues in moving from wet to dry machining that affect cleaning, scrap removal, and quality.

A vortex tube operated Tool Cooler figures predominantly in dry machining applications.   In many cases where mist cooling is used, and lubrication is not required, it can replace many polluting and often toxic mist systems to improve dry machining operations. No mess, no residue, and low  cost. If the product still requires some lubrication, a variation called the Nex Flow® Sub-Zero Vortex® Mist System can do the job. Similarly, if there is a limit to compressed air availability, the Mist System can also be used, even with water as the medium.

The Frigid-X® Tool Cooler can improve both the output rate of the dry machined part and the quality of the part by significantly limiting the temperature generated in cutting, drilling, or grinding.  It is very popular to use when machining plastics, titanium, glass, and ceramics. A major benefit is the extension of tool life reducing downtime and tooling costs.

In addition to dry machining operations, because of their portability and a strong magnet that is part of the unit, they can be easily attached and applied to provide spot cooling wherever needed such as testing sensors, setting adhesives, and other potential  applications easily.

The Tool Cooler produces cold air at approximately 50º F (28º C) below supply air temperature. The unit is muffled for quiet operation. No moving parts assure long life, maintenance-free operation while extending tool life and improving production rates. Make certain the supply air is filtered to keep out moisture and dirt.  There are different models depending on the cooling rate required. In most applications the smallest unit is adequate, but for harder materials such as titanium, a larger capacity system is recommended. For deep hole drilling in materials such as aluminum, some lubrication is required and that is where the Mist Cooler would be more appropriate.

• Sharpening Tools
• Routing
• Machining Plastics
• Drill And Cutter Grinding
• Milling, Drilling, Routing And Surface Grinding
• Plunge And Form Grinding
• Setting Hot Melt Adhesives
• Laser Cutting
• Tire And Rubber Grinding
• Band Saw Blade Cooling
• Chill Roll Nip Cooling

• No Moving Parts
• Quiet
• Driven By Air, NOT Electricity
• Small And Lightweight, Portable
• Milling, Drilling, Routing And Surface Grinding
• Low In Cost
• Superior Design And Performance
• Maintenance Free Operation
• Made Of Durable Stainless Steel And Metal Arts – NO Cheap Plastic Parts
• Improves Production Rates And Finished Part Remains Dry
• Prevents Burning
• Improves Tolerance Control
• Eliminates Coolant Costs
• System Uses Strong Magnetic Base

Frigid-X® Tool Cooling System – How It Works

Compressed air enters at point (A) into the vortex tube component of the tool cooler. The vortex tube  splits the compressed air into a cold (B) and a hot (C) stream of air. The hot air from the vortex tube is vented to the atmosphere at point (D) after being muffled to reduce noise using an internal muffling piece and a sintered plastic sleeve. Cold air enters into the cold end muffler (E) and then distributed through the hose distribution kit (F) and onto the tool being cooled. A strong magnet (G) holds the tool cooler onto the machine.

One of the concerns that comes up is if the cold air exhaust can blow the dust resulting from machines around.  The velocity is low so that concern will not be realized. On the other hand, some operators would like to have higher flow and velocity to push aside machined waste.  In that case, we recommend the use of air nozzles or air amplifiers to move material.

Always use filtered compressed air to keep the compressed air line clean and dry when using the Tool Cooler.  Tool Coolers may be used in many other applications apart from dry machining, especially when heir portability and easy attachment to a surface with the magnet on the unit can be an advantage.  For example, they can be used to dry cutters in slitting application in plastic extrusion, especially if the film is thick and can generate heat.