Magnetic Filter Puts a Brake on Fines

This magnetic separator removes fines from a drilling operation and automatically feeds the fluids back into the integrated reservoir tank for fewer messy, oily pools around machinery, improved coolant recovery and reduced fluid replacement costs.

When the kitchen drain is clogged and the plunger doesn’t help, a call to the plumber is in order. The plumber examines the situation, employs the tried-and-true snake to remove the clog, and quickly solves the problem. An experienced professional can restore the kitchen’s function in about an hour, and the only lasting effects are the improved drain function and a memory of the plumber’s stern lecture about what not to pour down the sink.

But not all plugs are alike. When a manufacturer suspects that a drilling operation could cause plugs inside a precision brake component, he knows that the resulting damage will be more costly and require far greater action than a simple phone call. That’s why manufacturing engineer Jim Helpling of Harco Brake Components (Moraine, OH) sought an innovative solution when charged with making a new steel brake fitting that he knew would be prone to plugs caused by metal-laden coolants.

A 20-year manufacturing veteran, Helpling was tasked with the complete fabrication of Harco’s new steel component. His responsibilities ranged from overseeing the initial part design through development and implementation of the actual machining operations, or, as Helpling says, “Anything to do with making the part to designing the part to selecting the tooling.”

Laced with tiny 0.15 in internal drilled precision holes created by high-performance drills, these parts were to be produced with extremely fast cycle times. A critical component such as a brake fitting cannot be flawed. Harco could not risk that this component be anything less than perfect.

Clean coolant would be key to the success of this drilling operation. The coolant not only keeps the parts cool, but also washes away the many fines produced by the drills. Any fines not removed from the parts’ small internal machined holes could lodge inside the component and damage its surface and function. Says Helpling, “If you get contaminants in your coolant, you plug your (part) holes.” Clean coolant also increases tool life, which keeps tooling costs in line with the projected budget and reduces tool changes and associated downtime.

Helpling knew that the operation would produce fines that wouldn’t be caught by traditional micron filters. Fines remaining in the small internal machined holes would eventually cause the drill bit to break. With replacements at $100 per bit, these breaks are best avoided. But the greater risk of damaged tooling lies in producing a defective part that might not be discovered until inspection.

Because metal-free cooling was critical to this project, Helpling looked toward magnetic filtration as a solution. Del Butler of Magnetic Products, Inc. (MPI; Highland, MI) visited the Moraine plant and suggested Eco-Flow, a continuous-cleaning magnetic separator that keeps coolants free of metal fines and other contaminants. By eliminating the cartridge filter, the plant would not have to worry about clogged filters, costly replacement filters, or machine downtime.

As the magnetic separator removes fines, fluids are automatically fed back into the integrated reservoir tank. An extremely dry “fine cake” is produced. This drier cake means fewer messy, oily pools around machinery, and improved coolant recovery, reducing fluid replacement costs. The separator operates green and eliminates the need for paper filters that normally end up in landfills. Additionally, an automatic coolant level sensor monitors the level of incoming coolant to avoid choking and human error, while an overflow bypass eliminates potential spills in case of electrical or mechanical failure.

For Helpling, the start-up of the new magnetic separator was simple and event-free. “I connected it to the outlet and it started running. I haven’t had to touch it since the day it was installed. No tweaks. No nothing. Not one issue. It is doing the job.” Much like the homeowner, Helpling solved his problem with a call to the right professional who, like the plumber, analyzed the situation and provided the best solution. And this time, no lecture was delivered. www.mpimagnet.com