Optimizing coolant supply: nozzles, audits and retrofit for machine tools
Grindaix GmbH
KerpenNew on Amplifa
About grindaix
Founded in 2005 as a spin-off from RWTH Aachen and based in Kerpen, Grindaix GmbH specializes in optimizing coolant supply on grinding machines and the demand-oriented design of coolant filtration systems. The company develops and manufactures custom coolant nozzles – including needle nozzles, dual nozzles, cleaning nozzles, extinguishing nozzles, flushing nozzles, the GRX-X multifunctional nozzle and 3D-printed nozzles – as well as the modular gFlex metal articulated hose system. Its service portfolio includes Coolant Audits (M1–M5) for machine tools, audits for coolant filtration systems, Coolant Retrofit including conversion and commissioning, coolant engineering for new machines, as well as sensors, pressure gauges and pumps. Customers come from metal processing, automotive, aerospace, and from machine tool and rolling bearing manufacturers; references include JUNKER, EMAG, Studer, Bosch, ZF, MTU and Lufthansa Technik. By 2025, around 13,000 nozzle solutions had been developed, over 2,000 customers supplied and more than 500 machine audits carried out; in September 2021 grindaix was acquired by Quaker Houghton.
- Site
- Kerpen
- Processes
- Optimization of coolant supply on grinding machines, Coolant Audit (M1–M5) – on-site analysis of machine tools and coolant filtration systems, Coolant Retrofit – conversion of coolant systems on machine tools including installation and, Development and manufacture of custom coolant nozzles (cooling nozzles, special nozzles), Design of coolant filtration systems (single and central systems), 3D printing of coolant nozzles (needle nozzles), PART FACTORY – procurement of components in small series, Grinding processes: profile surface grinding, gear grinding, bore grinding, surface grinding
- Materials
- 3D-printed nozzles, gFlex metal articulated hose, GRX-X multifunctional nozzle, Coolant sensors and pressure gauges
- Certificates
- CE compliance and documentation (retrofit)
- Founded
- 2005
- Industries
- Metal processing, Automotive, Aerospace, Machine tool manufacturing, Rolling bearing manufacturers, Gear grinding/gearing
- 01
Coolant Audit / on-site analysis
- 02
Engineering and nozzle design
- 03
3D printing of nozzles
- 04
Delivery of retrofit kits (nozzles, pumps, valves)
- 05
Installation and commissioning (retrofit)
- 06
Coolant monitoring and sensor technology
Products and Processes
3D-printed nozzles
Additively manufactured coolant nozzles, in use for needle nozzles since 2017.
gFlex metal articulated hose
Modular metal articulated hose for flexible coolant supply, developed in 2016.
GRX-X multifunctional nozzle
Multi-chamber multifunctional nozzle with patent (2021) for combined coolant tasks.
Coolant sensors and pressure gauges
Pressure sensors and flow measurement for monitoring coolant pressure and volume flow.
Location
Kerpen
DEHeadquarters with offices, test rigs and production
- Test rigs
- 3D printing of nozzles
- Metrology for volume flow and pressure measurement
Industries
Processes & technical limits
| Processes | Tolerance | Max. part | Weight | Lot size | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optimization of coolant supply on grinding machinesEngineering | – | – | – | – | Metal |
| Coolant Audit (M1–M5) – on-site analysis of machine tools and coolant filtration systemsTesting | – | – | – | – | – |
| Coolant Retrofit – conversion of coolant systems on machine tools including installation andAssembly | – | – | – | – | – |
| Development and manufacture of custom coolant nozzles (cooling nozzles, special nozzles)Engineering | – | – | – | – | – |
| Design of coolant filtration systems (single and central systems)Engineering | – | – | – | – | – |
| 3D printing of coolant nozzles (needle nozzles)Additive | – | – | – | – | – |
| PART FACTORY – procurement of components in small seriesEngineering | – | – | – | – | – |
| Grinding processes: profile surface grinding, gear grinding, bore grinding, surface grindingMachining | – | – | – | – | Metal |
Additional services
Quality
The supply conditions are recorded using in-house metrology for pressure and volume flow; retrofits include commissioning with documented evidence of cycle time, tool life, energy consumption and coolant savings, including CE compliance and documentation.
| Evidence | Kerpen |
|---|---|
| CE compliance and documentation (retrofit) |
History
- 2005
Founded as a spin-off from RWTH Aachen; development of the first needle nozzle for optimizing coolant supply
- 2014
Launch of the PART FACTORY business unit (online platform for small-series component procurement) in February
- 2016
Relocation to Kerpen; development of the modular gFlex metal articulated hose
- 2017
Introduction of 3D printing for needle nozzles
- 2021
Patent for multi-chamber multifunctional nozzle; acquisition by Quaker Houghton in September
- 2023
Change of managing directors in June: Roman Stabauer and Glen May take over management
- 2025
20th anniversary with new logo; approx. 13,000 nozzle solutions, over 2,000 customers, over 500 machine audits