How to rationalise metalworking fluids use

Compressor maker and subcontracting firm develops and rationalises the number of fluids used such as grinding fluids for washing and machine-cleaning fluids used for cleaning floors.

Master Chemical Europe has been advising its customers for many years to rationalise metalworking fluids as part of effective coolant management.

Stocking a multitude of different fluids causes a range of problems.

As the stock inventory expands so too does the accompanying paperwork.

It can be wasteful and costly as small fluid quantities don't benefit from volume discounts.

And the health and safety documentation involved demands particularly close attention.

One of its first customers in the UK to embrace this advice was HPC Engineering in West Sussex, which in addition to manufacturing compressors also undertakes subcontract engineering work.

The working partnership between HPC and Master Chemical started in the early '90s and continues to thrive as together they develop and rationalise the number of fluids used on site.

Examples include grinding fluids for washing and machine-cleaning fluids used for cleaning floors.

* All used Master Chemical TRIM fluids are recycled - a Master Chemical XYBEX system and a Yellow-Bellied Sump Sucker thave performed this function at HPC since the early 1990s.

In June 2005 the facility was duplicated in the HPC hydraulic shop.

Although HPC has its own fluid management staff Master Chemical provides regular on-site support.

This includes a weekly site visit to take samples, update records and provide feedback on fluid performance.

Training is also an important aspect of the service Master Chemical provides.

HPC maintenance manager and safety officer, Ray Holt, said: "Master Chemical has set up a training programme to raise awareness of the cost and quality benefits associated with good coolant management".

Master Chemical now supplies about 98% of the metalworking fluids used on site but the remaining 2% provides a continual cross-check that HPC has the best products for the job.

"We have taken a conscious decision to trial other companies products," Holt added.

"The trials can last up to six months so we go into it thoroughly".

* Universal soluable oil - Master Chemical TRIM fluids success at HPC is attributed to the company's commitment to continual product development and one of the fluids that is a great example of this policy is TRIM E907.

This product has undergone formulation changes to accommodate new requirements from HPC and as a result it is versatile enough to be used in all of the company's cutting and grinding machines.

TRIM E907 is a high quality, very stable, universal soluble oil that requires minimal maintenance even in the most demanding fluid management systems.

The high levels of chemical and mechanical lubricity in this product allow it to handle the toughest machining and grinding jobs, said Master Chemical.

Master Chemical's technical manager, Peter Blenkinsop, informed: "The original TRIM product was employed in the HPC contract manufacturing shop to machine aluminium, steel and case iron and needed to be diluted with mineral free water.

Today's TRIM E907 is now exceptionally hard water tolerant and is low foaming at high pressure.

As a result it was adopted throughout the hydraulic shop at HPC in 2005 and works equally well when diluted with tap water providing further cost savings for the customer".

Holt of HPC concluded: "We always need to be conscious of the best products on the market.

If you don't look you'll never know.

But Master Chemical Europe continues to deliver both the products and service we need.

Our partnership is an ongoing success.".

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