Product category:
Machine Building Components
News Release from: Bielomatik | Subject: Two-channel MQL system
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 10 July 2006
Lubrication system minimises waste and
pollution
A minimal quantity lubrication (MQL) system brings economical, safer and environmental benefits to lubrication at the cutting tip in many machining operations.
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 Engineeringtalk on 24 Oct 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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Many of the Albon multi-spindle production machines for roughing and finishing operations incorporate the Bielomatik two-channel MQL system.
Lubrication systems provide smooth operation
To help reduce component wear and achieve a smooth, quieter operation for many of its packhouse machines R J Herbert has incorporated Bielomatik automated lubrication systems.
MQL technology allows semi-dry (or near dry) machining operations to be carried out with only a minimal amount of lubrication (as little 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
Valve refines lubrication system
Bielomatik has added a new quick valve to its lubrication system, precisely controlling the temperature of the oil arriving at the cutting point.
Lubrication systems maintain packaging machines
Bielomatik systems deliver lubrication directly to the area required, without overspill and without polluting the surrounding area.
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 second 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 40,000rev/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.
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