Safety on the Plant Floor

It's no surprise that plant and manufacturing facilities have the potential to be dangerous work environments. Found in most plants are heavy machinery, forklifts, chemicals and exhaust fumes, MQL system lubricants, cleaners and plenty of tools. It only takes one misstep to cause serious injury. 

Companies have a responsibility to their employees to ensure that proper safety precautions are taken, and rules and policies are established and followed, in order to keep everyone safe. Today’s safest manufacturers are those that make safety an integral part of what they do every day; those that engage employees in their safety goals, get leadership commitment, and manage and measure their risks regularly.

Key safety guidelines and precautions your business should implement immediately include:

• Be aware of your surroundings. This step requires knowing the particular hazards of your job or workplace.
• Use tools and machines properly. Take the proper precautions when using tools, and never take shortcuts.
• Report unsafe conditions to your supervisor. He or she needs to be informed about any workplace safety hazards or risks.
• Use mechanical aids whenever possible. Instead of attempting to carry or lift something that’s overly heavy, use a wheelbarrow, conveyor belt, crank or forklift.
• Take regular breaks. So many work-related injuries and illnesses occur because a worker is tired, burned out and not alert to their surroundings.
• Reduce workplace stress. Stress can lead to depression and concentration problems. Common causes of workplace stress include long hours, heavy workload, job insecurity and conflicts with coworkers or managers.
• Wear the correct safety equipment. Equipment like earplugs, earmuffs, hard hats, safety goggles, or gloves greatly reduce the risk of workplace injury.

 Workplace safety doesn’t just protect workers - it optimizes productivity and helps drive revenue growth. It also helps protect company assets, reduces downtime, and increases morale.

Applications for MagLube MQL Systems

When you're looking for the right lubricant system for your industrial needs, it's only natural to look for a business that has extensive experience in the field. At MagLube, not only do we have a rich 20 year history in lubricant problems and solutions in the manufacturing process, but we've also rethought the way those processes should work.

Typically petroleum or synthetic based products mix 10-20 parts with water to floor the work-piece and tool to prevent heat. These systems have little lubricating processes, nor do they clean the tools.  

At MagLube, we knew we could do better in redesigning the content of the product and increasing its usefulness, while also making it eco-friendly. Our MQL system is designed and retro-fitted to function flawlessly and transparently on your machines while utilizing the latest technology in pneumatics, injectors, PC logic controllers, and nozzle design. Each application determines the configuration of our systems to not only enhance your process, but to also use the least amount of lubricant per cycle of each machine. Our products are designed to eliminate secondary operations such as parts-washing and cleaning.

Our industrial lubrication systems are available for many of the tools you're using daily, including CNC and manual milling machining, band saws, routers, circular saws, roll formers, and stamping and punch presses, as well as CNC manual training centers. 

To learn more about our eco-friendly MQL systems and how our products work best to prolong the life of your tools, contact us at MagLube.com today.

How To Choose an Industrial Lubricant

Choosing the right lubricant can be an especially tricky task. Not only do industrial lubricants come in many varieties and formulations, but many industries also have their own industry regulations and standards. As a result, choosing the proper lubricant for an application is critical.

Without proper lubrication, milling machines, band saws, and other prominent cutting equipment are unable to perform to their full potential. The right industrial lubricant can extend the life of your cutting tools and ensure that they produce accurately and consistently.  

When shopping for a new industrial minimum quantity lubrication system, consider these guidelines when making your decision. 

Self-Cleaning
Many industrial lubricants double as a cleaner! That's a win, win right there! If you’re short on time and tired of cleaning and lubrication being separate processes, it’s beneficial to look for a lubricant that functions as both.

Light on Residue
The most effective spray mist systems and minimum quantity lubricants are the ones that enable tools to perform at maximum efficiency. When a tools lubricant leaves sticky residue behind, it’s likely to hinder productivity.

Easy Application
After a long day on the job, the last thing you want to do is waste time applying lubricant. Ensure the system you choose is a hassle-free lubrication system! 

The first step in choosing the right lubricant is choosing the right supplier. They can help you make qualified decisions about lubricating your equipment. When you’re in need of new lubricants and spray mist systems, MagLube lubricants offer the cleaning prowess, easy application, and consistency you’ll need.

Band Saw Cutting Techniques Explained

Band saws are one of the most versatile tools in the shop. For this reason, you as a technician have a responsibility to learn the art and practice your skills in hopes of becoming an expert technician. While cutting wood and metal is a skill that can take years to master, once you've accomplished this, what you can build using a band saw is seemingly endless.

Before becoming a master, one must master the basics, which includes perfecting your band saw cutting techniques. If you're new to operating a band saw, or are just looking to brush up on various styles, here's a rundown on four common methods. 

The first trick to a precise cut is to keep your band saw well maintained, clean and lubricated. Efficient lubrication and misting systems work best to produce accurate cuts. Treat the saw badly and it won't cut well, no matter how skilled a cutter you are. 

Cutting Straight
A straight cut is the mark of any good band saw expert and takes practice, a steady hand and deep concentration. While cutting a straight line sounds easy, it isn't. Even the slightest movement can turn your straight mark into a wonky line.

Arch Cut
To carve a circle, cut around the circumference of the circle a little piece at a time.  It’s important not to overdo it.  You can take away pieces of wood but you can’t add wood back.

Re-Saw
Re-saw refers to cutting thinner and smaller pieces of wood from a larger piece.

Simultaneous Cutting
Several pieces of wood can be cut by the band saw at the same time as long as they are the same size.  You can do this by stacking the pieces together, securing it with strong tape. 

Remember, your band saw cutting skills are only as good as the care you take of the blade and the overall condition of the band saw itself.  Regular maintenance, lubrications and misting systems, and proper care for the blades and your skills will continue to improve over time.

The Key To Keeping Your Machines Working Well

All across America industrial machinery is being used to build our cars, our technologies and lots of other everyday items we use.  These machines do everything from producing parts to assembling finished products. They have a big job and are relied upon heavily for mass production. 

Because of their abundant usage and our dependency of the goods they produce, keeping them in prime condition is extremely important. One of the best things a business can do for their machinery is to make sure it is properly lubricated. 

Many people believe that a lubricant is simply used to make things “slippery.” While it is the primary function, there are more advantages to using the right lubricant. In addition to friction reduction, it also reduces the amount of wear that occurs during operation, reduces operating temperatures, minimizes corrosion of metal surfaces, and assists in keeping contaminants out of the system.

In short, if you want to continue producing high-quality goods and keeping consumers happy, it's best to invest in a top-of-the-line MQL system. Our metalworking fluid and lubricants are environmentally safe organic oils that are as much as 300-times higher in lubricity than conventional cutting oils. They function as a cleaner, purging the system of dirt and debris with every application. These systems ensure that your machine’s core components remain consistently lubricated, effectively reducing heat and friction, thus extending the life of your machines. 

Finally, they save you money. And who doesn't like to hear those magical words.  Regular lubrication reduces the need for expensive repairs and part-replacements, saving many manufacturing companies thousands of dollars each year. If you’re in the market for high-quality industrial lubricants, look no further than MagLube.com. Contact us today to learn more about our eco-friendly MQL system and industrial lubricants.