Advantages Using Micro-Lubrication on CNC Routers

CNC routers are commonly used for designing and manufacturing products. The ability to cut, drill or mill aluminum, metal & plastic components with precision is why CNC routers are widely used by manufacturers worldwide.

These CNC machines require lubrication systems during the machining process, which keeps the tool and workpiece cool.

Common CNC Router Lubrication Methods

The 2 primary methods are flood cooling and micro-lubrication. The most common, but least effective method is flood cooling. This method floods the tool and workpiece using gallons of toxic chemicals mixed with water. It’s very messy and requires extensive cleanup of tools, work areas and soaked cutting chips.

The 2nd method, which is more cost effective and produces higher quality results is known as Micro-Lubrication… or minimum quantity lubrication.

CNC Manufacturers Trust MagLube MQL Systems on Their CNC Machines

Premium quality CNC router manufacturers are integrating MagLube’s MQL systems into their machine builds. CAMaster and Laguna Tools both use MagLube’s 21st century micro-lubrication as their preferred lubrication system.

MagLube offers a micro-lubrication system for CNC routers that substantially reduces the amount of lubricant needed when compared to the less efficient flood cooling method. When we say substantially… that is not an understatement. Operators using our systems can expect to use ONLY 2 – 4 oz. of lubricant during an 8-hour shift… compared to gallons of toxic coolants needed if flood cooling.

Additional Advantages of Using MQL Systems on These Machines

The ability to save on lubricants alone is important. But several other advantages make converting to MagLube a no brainer.

Because of the properties of our organic – biodegradable lubricants, you’ll experience superior surface finishes. Our systems and lubricants substantially reduce the friction during machining. By reducing the friction, we eliminate the heat caused during the process. This produces higher quality finished components.

Another advantage of using MagLube MQL is time savings. Time is money and unlike the extensive cleanup needed when flood cooling, MagLube’s systems require virtually no post-production cleanup, plus the cutting chips produced are dry, making it quick and easy to simply vacuum up and then recycle for even more revenue.

Specifics of Using MagLube’s Systems for Micro-Lubrication

• The MagLube system requires a designated air-line (80-120 psi) and can be activated by the operator with a manual slide valve or automatically with a 24V or 120V signal.
• When using the MagLube system, operators can expect to use between 2-4 ounces of lubricant in an 8-hour shift of production machining and will experience superior surface finishes on machined parts.
• Each system sold carries a one-year manufacturer’s warranty on all components.
• A toggle switch is installed on the right side of the applicator to shut off the pump and allow only air out of the nozzle for materials not requiring a lubricant.
• The LD-300L lubricant is a low viscosity lubricant designed for aluminum and other non-ferrous metals. It has excellent lubrication properties is non-toxic & biodegradable. The LD-300L is non-staining, has a low burn off temperature and evaporates like an alcohol.
• As opposed to traditional “coolant systems” the MagLube system is a cleaner, safer, more efficient and cost-effective way of lubricating your cutting tools.

MagLube’s One-Year Warranty on All MQL System Components

As mentioned in the points above, each system sold carries a one-year manufacturer’s warranty on all components and used in conjunction with our LD-300L lubricant, your CNC router will be producing the highest quality products you’ve ever produced.

Contact us today to discuss your machines and how we can help improve your processes. Don’t forget… our MagLube MQL systems also work perfectly on CNC milling, metal stamping, band saws, roll formers and any other machine needing lubrication.

Contact MagLube today

Why metalworking fluids (MWF) present long term health risks, and how to transition away from them

Machine operators around the world are exposed to toxic metalworking fluids on a day to day basis. The flooding and misting systems used require direct contact but also produce a mist in the workplace that's inhaled by these workers, exposing them to a multitude of different health risks.

OSHA has strict permissable exposure limits (PEL) for the mist created by metalworking fluids (MWF). But even with these limits in place, it still requires that each business adhere to these guidelines and also requires each worker to wear protective devices to prevent adverse health effects. Machine shops must use expensive mist collection devices to keep the air quality within the permissable limits, adding costs to an already cost intensive process.

In a perfect world, these precautions would protect these workers for the most part, but never with 100% effectiveness. Plus, we don't live in a perfect world so without constant monitoring of the mist collection devices and aherence by the workers to always wear their protection... the reality is, workers are constantly at risks of short and long term health issues.

There is a better way! It's called micro-lubrication or minimum quantity lubrication (MQL). It removes virtually all health risks due to MWF mist, removes the cost of mist collection devices, removes the cost and time of post production cleanup and is considered by those who have transistioned to MQL to be a more effective method of lubrication.

To get more details, visit MagLube's latest blog post!

Why is Lubricant so Important?

Taking proper care of your metalworking tools is essential to their performance and longevity. Just as your car needs the oil changed and the tires need rotating, the lubrication system for your tools needs checking and changing consistently. 

Keeping metalworking tools in prime condition is essential to the success of your metal shop, with the first step to consistent performance and longevity being dependable lubrication.  

Without proper lubrication, milling machines, band saws, and other 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.

Increased Friction - Decreasing friction is among the key benefits of our lubrication. Increased friction can lead to damaged core components, which dramatically shortens their usefulness and overall life spans.

Increased Heat - The more friction, the more heat – and the more heat produced means the greater the chance of your equipment overheating.  Overheated machinery can lead to a number of problems, including broken components, broken machinery, and injured operators. 

Keeping your tools and equipment lubricated is one of the best things you can do for them. A good lubricant allows each of a tool’s core components to carry out its respective jobs in a smooth and efficient manner.  An MQL system, especially MagLube’s environmentally-friendly solution, is the reliable lubrication system you need. To learn more about our MQL products, visit our website at MagLube.com.

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.

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.

Making a Smart Business Investment

The right lubrication can make all the difference in keeping your tools and equipment in working order. As a smart business owner, you know that's key to your business' success. Without properly functioning equipment, you can't continue to produce at a profitable pace; not to mention the costs associated with fixing the equipment, while you’re taking a hit on production.

Your company’s heavy-duty industrial tools and machinery need consistent and reliable lubrication in order to properly perform their day-to-day functions. In the absence of regular lubrication, the core components of the equipment will begin to rust, overheat, and rub up against one another, causing considerable damage. 

Are you looking to make a smart investment for your company’s future? If so, keep your machinery up and running for the foreseeable future with MagLube brand lubricants, as well as our convenient MQL system.

We know that lube application isn't one-size-fits-all, which is why we have a large diversity of applications to offer.  Our MQL system strives to meet the needs of our rapidly-expanding roster of clients. Even though our mass-produced application systems satisfy the bulk of our client base, we realize that certain tools have highly specialized needs. For this reason, MagLube is happy to create custom-made application systems for clients with specialized machinery.

Lubrication plays an invaluable role in keeping your industrial tools in working condition. However, not all lubricants are created equally. Make the smart choice for your business, and your tools, by investing in our non-toxic, highly dependable MQL system.