Smooth Operations Result in Better Outcomes
Utilizing the proper metalworking coolants and fluids not only extends the life of your machines but contributes to a safer shop environment.
Posted: April 24, 2024
Choosing the correct cleaners, lubricants, coolants and metalworking fluids, as well as adhering to safety standards, is vital to achieving the best possible results when maintaining metalworking processes.
Coolant System Makes it Easier for Versatile Tube and Pipe Processing
Bend-Tech (Osceola, WI), a leading developer of versatile CNC plasma tube and pipe cutting equipment and integrated software, offers a Coolant Support System. The system is designed to make the handling of longer tube and pipe materials more efficient. Additional support trolleys carry stock as it is loaded into the machine and hold up long parts to maintain a consistent, cleaner cut, no matter the length. The Coolant Support System also allows operators to cut longer parts while maintaining safety standards. The system is designed to work with Bend-Tech’s Dragon A400 and Dragon A250 CNC plasma tube and pipe cutting models.
The Coolant Support System from Bend-Tech is ideal for stainless steel tube and pipe fabrication used in industries such as petrochemical, chemical, and dairy, as well as aluminum tube and pipe used in boat docks and trailer manufacturing. With the Coolant Support System, operators can cut longer parts with ease and handle materials almost instantly after cutting because of the increased heat exchange rate while using coolant. The system is designed with rigid sidewalls and splash guards that securely contain fluids and prevent spills to run production efficiently, keep a clean shop environment, and maintain safety standards.
The A400’s full 400-pound weight capacity is supported with the Coolant Support System in round, square or rectangle stocks with the same sizing up to 6.375” measured at the hypotenuse. Other closed profile stocks can also be run with coolant using custom plugs. The A250 with the Coolant Support System supports round stock to 260 pounds. Just like the machines themselves, the system is modular in length to meet customer specifications.
Bend-Tech’s A400 will be capable of cutting, marking, and engraving long aluminum trailer rails and stainless staircase handrails. Both the new Coolant Support System and the existing Dry Support System are designed to make loading and unloading longer stock lengths easier and safer for structural steel fabricators and other producers. The system allows quick release for fast changes between materials sizes, maintains material centerline and uses non-marring, durable Teflon® supports.
“We took customer feedback to heart when designing the new Coolant Support System so operators can work with longer materials and cut longer parts in a safe and efficient manner,” said Mitchell Eigenberger, Bend-Tech’s general manager.
Bio-based Anti-seize Compound is Ideal for Plant Maintenance
Renewable Lubricants, Inc. (Hartville, OH) introduces Bio-Food Grade™ HT Anti-Seize Compound, a biobased Extreme Pressure (EP) compound specifically formulated for lubricating sliding surfaces in a wide range of industries and applications. Designed to provide anti-weld protection and withstand high pressures in sliding surfaces, it protects the shoulder and threads of bolts against damage from galling or seizure. This patented, ultimately biodegradable product is fortified with synthetic white graphite EP that will lubricate at high pressure and temperatures more than 1,000°C. It provides excellent anti-rust, anti-oxidation, and anti-wear protection, and is non staining on aluminum and yellow metals. With no heavy metals, lead, antimony, zinc, or chlorine, it is an environmentally responsible product that is formulated from biodegradable and renewable agricultural plant resources. Common applications include tool joints, chains, cables, slideways, fifth wheels, kingpins, chassis, hinge pins, studs, packing glands, gaskets valves, pump shafts, screw shafts, and slow-moving rollers and bearings of high temperate ovens or kilns. Bio-Food Grade HT Anti-Seize Compound is ideal for food and beverage processing plants, metalworking, manufacturing, military, industrial transportation, marine, agriculture, mining and other industries and applications.
With performance comparable to or exceeding synthetics, these bio-based products help companies achieve operational goals as well as their sustainability goals. Formulated from renewable agricultural biobased resources, they are non-toxic, zinc-free formulations that contain no heavy metals. Base oils and additives in this product are listed in 21 CFR 178.3570, Lubricants for incidental food contact (USDA H1). Bio-Food Grade HT Anti-Seize Compound is available in an eight-ounce can with brush, seven-pound pail, 35-gallon pail, 120-pound keg, and 400-pound drums.
Energy conserving Stabilized HOBS technology combined with synthetic base stocks and exceptional E.P./anti-wear technology results in a super high viscosity index product with long life heat stability. This provides longer gear life protection through extremely high film strength during elevated operating temperatures. Rapid demulsification allows users to drain water from the system quickly to prevent corrosion, protect components, and extend oil life.
Alkaline Cleaner/Inhibitor Combination Products Protect Numerous Metals
KYZEN Corp. (Nashville, TN) provides a range of cleaning solutions with built-in corrosion protection to protect a variety of metals. The combination cleaners include METALNOX® M6310, METALNOX® M6314CP, and METALNOX® M6324CP.
These innovative combination products provide cleaning and corrosion protection in the wash and rinse stages using only one chemistry. The products clean effectively, boosting cleaning while providing long-lasting rust protection.
METALNOX M6310 is a mild alkaline, aqueous cleaning chemistry designed for heavy-duty cleaning of dry lube, cutting, oils, waxes, grease, carbonized soils and shop dirt. Multi-metal safe and easy-to-use, the aqueous chemistry contains corrosion inhibitors to protect soft metals such as aluminum, brass, bronze and copper alloys.
METALNOX M6314CP is an aluminum-safe alkaline parts cleaner formulated to remove manufacturing oils used in machining, stamping, and deep draw operations. Its effective steel corrosion inhibitors provide long-term protection for mild and cast steel. M6314CP also is suitable for use on non-ferrous metals, stainless steel, chrome steel, aluminum, magnesium and HSS-parts.
METALNOX M6324CP is a heavy-duty, alkaline cleaner that provides effective steel corrosion protection for a range of ferrous metals and alloys. Additionally, its oil-splitting formula allows efficient removal of oil and difficult soils including carbon smut.
Industrial Grade All-purpose Lubricant Cleans, Prevents Rust/Corrosion
The L.S. Starrett Co. (Athol, MA) offers M1® Industrial Quality All-Purpose Lubricant, ideal in a wide range of applications including on metal equipment such as rollers, racks, conveyors, chains and virtually any metal components found in highly corrosive environments such as marine, construction and more. M1 is not soluble in water, so it gets under moisture to lift it away from the surface to be protected. Starrett’s M1 lubricant protects metal against rust and corrosion damage by providing a molecular shield that locks to the metal. The lubricant can be used to protect working surfaces of machinery, in dip tanks to protect production parts in process, or apply on tools when stored.
Starrett’s M1 lubricant dries and will not attract dirt, dust or other contaminants as other leading lubricants do. M1 produces a micro-thin, airtight coating/film that simultaneously dries as it protects, avoiding dirt, grime, etc., that other “wet” lubricants actually attract. The can will spray upside down in awkward places without losing propellant power. It is the best lubricant value for its cost.
M1 is free of silicone, making it an excellent lubricant to stand up to extreme temperatures for year-round use. Its deep-down penetration works quickly to free frozen nuts, bolts and metal parts. It gets under caked-on dirt to clean the metal and remove the dirt. It is excellent for removing grease, tar, and grime from metal parts and painted surfaces, cleaning and polishing for lasting protection.
Starrett M1 has instant lubrication properties that spread into those hard-to-reach metal parts to stop squeaking and sticking. And it prevents short circuits in high moisture environments, halting electrical leakage from wet ignition wires.
Expansion of Internal Coolant Tools for use in Popular Machine Tools
Platinum Tooling Technologies, Inc. (Prospect Heights, IL), the exclusive importer of Heimatec live tools and angle heads, announces its expansion of internal coolant tools for the most popular machine tools models on the market.
Coolant-thru technology is often the answer for faster more productive cutting on many applications especially when drilling deep holes where chips and excess heat build-up. Heimatec now offers high-pressure coolant-thru designs up to 1,000 psi on straight tools and 2,000 psi on 90° tools. High pressure internal coolant is also available on universal tools, multiple spindle tools, and speed increasers with up to 1:4 gear ratios at 24,000 rpm.
Platinum Tooling Technologies Inc. President Preben Hansen commented: “Production drilling should almost always be done with internal coolant tools and our expanded inventory of these tools means we’ll be able to satisfy more customer needs in that area.”
A full range of styles and pressures is available immediately, according to the company.
Platinum Tooling Technologies offers machine specific catalogs fully detailing all Heimatec products available, both with and without this coolant-thru feature.
State-of-the-Art Solution for Precision Machining
Quaker Houghton (Conshohocken, PA), a global leader in industrial process fluids, offers QUAKERCOOL 7750, which provides exceptional performance in aluminum and ferrous operations. Although QUAKERCOOL 7750 was developed for aluminum tapping and reaming applications, this fluid has proven to offer excellent lubrication and significant tool wear, even in challenging alloys like stainless steel.
The versatile solution can also be used for brass machining while offering exceptional resistance to stains on yellow metals. Its formulation is free from boron, chlorine, and formaldehyde releasers, highlighting a commitment to environmental sustainability and workplace safety.
What sets QUAKERCOOL 7750 apart is its ability to adapt to different water conditions, ranging from 100 ppm to 500 ppm total hardness, making it a reliable choice across diverse industrial settings. This fluid is also known for delivering excellent surface finishes on aluminum alloys, improving the quality of machined products.
Users benefit from its superior lubricating properties and resistance to forming soaps and foam, ensuring consistent performance in different water hardness conditions. This fluid helps reduce operating costs by extending tool life and optimizing surface finishes, making it a go-to solution for modern machining challenges.
QUAKERCOOL 7750, a label-free technology, eliminates the use of a hazardous product, prevents dermatitis and has a very stable emulsion, needs fewer additive treatments, and delivers lower usage costs. It also reduces chemical discharge, waste treatment costs, and water usage. The technology leaves no greasy residue, promoting a clean work environment and decreasing the risk of slips and falls.
Mini Conveyor Washer Offers Solution for Automated Continuous Cleaning
Ransohoff, a division of Cleaning Technologies Group, LLC (Cincinnati, OH), a renowned leader in innovative cleaning solutions, now offers the Washmaster MCW Mini Conveyor Washer. Designed to meet the evolving needs of modern industries, the MCW Mini Conveyor Washer offers an automated continuous wash system with a compact footprint, revolutionizing cleaning processes while maximizing efficiency.
The MCW Mini Conveyor Washer stands as a testament to Ransohoff’s commitment to excellence. Crafted using only the finest materials and components, and designed by industry-leading engineers, it exemplifies superior quality and performance. Each unit is meticulously built to the highest standards by master builders, ensuring reliability and durability for years to come.
Key features include:
- Automated Continuous Wash System: The conveyor washer streamlines cleaning processes with its automated operation, minimizing manual intervention and maximizing productivity.
- Compact Footprint: Despite its powerful capabilities, the MCW Mini Conveyor Washer boasts a small footprint, making it ideal for facilities with limited space.
- High-quality Construction: Manufactured using premium materials and components, the conveyor washer ensures longevity and reliability even in the most demanding industrial environments.
- Customizable Options: Process items on a flat wire belt or utilize custom fixtures tailored to your specific needs, providing versatility and adaptability to diverse applications.
- Energy-efficient Design: With an energy-efficient design, the MCW conveyor washer helps reduce utility usage, contributing to cost savings and environmental sustainability.
- Comprehensive Solution Filtration: Benefit from full-flow solution filtration, maintaining optimal cleanliness and performance throughout the cleaning process.
- Electrically Heated Process Solutions: Enjoy efficient and consistent cleaning results with electrically heated process solutions, ensuring thorough and effective cleaning.
- Loading and Unloading Automation: Optional loading and unloading automation further enhance efficiency and streamline workflow, saving time and labor costs.
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