Product category:
Cutting lubricants, coolants, systems and treatment
News Release from: Bielomatik | Subject: A minimal quantity lubrication system
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 06 July 2006
Minimal quantity lubrication ups cycle
times 30%
A minimal quantity lubrication system brings economical, safer and environmental benefits to lubrication at the 'cutting tip' to cut a total machining cycle time by up to 30%.
A minimal quantity lubrication (MQL) system that brings economical, safer and environmental benefits to lubrication at the 'cutting tip' in many machining operations is being introduced by Bielomatik Recent trials have shown it to cut a total cycle time by 30%, giving greater productivity, that's equivalent to cutting a typical hourly rate of GBP 50 to under GBP 35 per hour
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 23 Feb 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Automated lubrication systems reduce wear
R J Herbert has incorporated Bielomatik automated lubrication systems into its packhouse machines to reduce component wear.
Cutting lubricant control ups performance
Recent refinements to minimal quantity lubrications systems further benefits to metal machining operations by controling precisely the temperature of the oil arriving at the cutting point.
MQL technology allows semi-dry (or near dry) machining operations to be carried out with only a minimal amount of lubrication (can be as low as 10ml/h) to prevent tool damage.
And unlike conventional water-based cutting fluids (emulsions), minimal quantity lubrication uses waterless lubricants.
It is far more effective and gives a finish which is the same, or better than wet machining.
Further reading
Automatic system controls lubricants precisely
An automated lubrication system that controls precisely the amount of lubricant released without overspill to rotating and moving parts is a standard feature on packaging machines.
Bielomatik delivers fine spray to cutting tool tip
A metal cutting lubrication system by Bielomatik that delivers a fine aerosol spray to the cutting tool tip can now be retrofitted to existing machine tools.
The new system being launched in the UK by Bielomatik is a highly-efficient two- channel design, where oil and air are delivered separately to the tool holder before being mixed and sent to the cutting tool.
The lubricant is transported via a pressurised ring-main to the Bielomatik rotary transmission unit, whereby a 'quick valve' controls the exact dose of oil.
The quantity of oil is supplied through the lance which is located in the centre of the spindle, and on into the pipe nozzle in the tool holder.
Compressed air is also fed to the mixing chamber via the rotary transmission through the 2nd channel of the lance.
This process produces a fine air-oil mixture which is then delivered directly to the cutting tip of the tool.
The Two-Channel MQL system has been engineered for high-speed, high productivity schedules.
Spindle speeds of up 40,000 rev/min can be achieved as centrifugal forces through the spindle do not affect the delivery of the oil, as with other types of MQL.
Also by allowing the use of higher viscosity oils, it gives better lubrication for longer tool life, thus an inherent reduction in service and maintenance of the cutting machine.
It also enables quick tool changes to take place due to its minimal switch on/off time of only 0.1s.
Other key advantages of the Bielomatik system include precise control and adjustment of the oil flow, no overdosing during tool changes [complies with EPA requirements], oil mist does not get into the environment; immediate surroundings stay clean as does the work piece.
It also results in swarf that is more easily and more cheaply disposed off, since no cleaning is required.
By introducing better lubrication control at the cutting edge the Bielomatik Two- Channel MQL system brings all-round benefits in terms of improved productivity, less maintenance, less waste and cheaper disposal of metal swarf.
• Bielomatik: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
