The Best CNC Milling Machine Lubricant

Having the most effective lubrication system on a CNC milling machine is critically important to maximizing efficiency, managing costs and producing the highest quality finished products. The vast majority of manufacturers out there are still using MWFs (metalworking fluids) and flood cooling to lubricate their milling process, which is quite surprising.

Why is this surprising you may be thinking? Well, since the introduction of MQL (minimum quantity lubrication) systems and lubricants, a small percentage of manufacturing engineers and operation managers have transitioned from toxic MWFs to MQL, also known as micro-lubrication. They have seen substantial improvements in virtually every measurable metric across the board when it comes to how their CNC milling lubricant process performs.

 

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!

What Are Micro Lubricants?

Maglube offers biodegrable industrial lubricants that are among the best in the world. We have 4 types that work on virutally every machining process there is in commercial manufacturing.

See our recent post describing these lubricants and read our most recent blog post on our site.


Industrial Lubricants Manufacturer

The Quality of Metal Working Is Assisted by Proper Industrial Lubrication

The machining of metals on lathes and other devices puts the metals and the cutting tools to a fair amount of stress and strain that includes a fair amount of heat produced by the abrading, cutting or other action. This can cause distortion in the metal being machined and decreases the life of the cutting tool. Cutting fluids can give the necessary lubrication that can reduce heat, achieve a better-finished metal product and extend the life of the tool.

2 Common Industrial Lubricant Methods

There are 2 common types of metalworking lubrication; flood cooling and micro-lubrication. Maglube specializes in micro-lubrication. It’s really the 21st century, modern solution to industrial lubrication for metalworking.

Machining centers can turn metal, extrude it and perform many other operations, each of which produces its own degree of stress on the tools, the metal product being worked on and the lubricant itself. The type of metal that is being worked on can also lead to a variation in the degree of stresses. Extrusion of metals causes a lot of stress, with turning on machines being easier on the various components of the operation. Most lubricants used in metalworking are made of base oils with a number of different additives, that can add different properties to the cutting fluids. Metalworking fluids, unlike standard lubricants, can have a mixture of oil and water. The oil acts as the lubricant, while the water assists in cooling. 

Why Maglube Lubricants Extend Machine and Tool Life

Some additives can have surface reactions with the material that is being worked on, and this may not be intended. Some that have additives like active sulfur can lead to the staining of the finished metal product and lead to its rejection. Other additives help the metalworking process by helping in the removal of the machined material, and this can help in reducing any damage to the machining tool. Where lubricants require to have a solution that includes water and oil, it is important that the fluid used, be able to remain emulsified. High percentages of water can promote micro-organism growth as well as bacteria, and these fluids used for metalworking lubrication have preservatives that prevent this form of contamination.

Preservatives and additives aren’t needed with Maglube lubricants. Our eco-friendly lubricants are formulated with organic oils which make them biodegradable. Also, the composition of the lubricants causes them to reduce friction many times better than traditional oil/water mixtures.

Primary Functions of Lubricants when Metalworking

The primary function of lubricants used in metalworking is to reduce friction, by making surfaces slippery. These lubricants are then also able to reduce temperatures that increase during operations and will minimize the corrosion of the metal surfaces. They can also help to keep out any contaminants that can enter the system. Lubricants need to have the properties that can help to meet the operating needs. You can use different chemicals to ensure that a machine functions just as efficiently at very high temperatures. You can have a class of lubricants that protect the surfaces being machined, even when they are subjected to high pressure. Machine working of metals does cause the production of metal particles that are required to be removed from the original product for shaping it to the required configuration. These extra metal particles need to be efficiently removed from between the product being worked on and the cutting or forming tools. Certain additives attract this extraneous material, suspend them in the lubricant and then trap them in filters or other types of separators.

Industrial lubrication is an important part of metalworking and requires as much attention as other technical specifications that will help in producing the required product. 

Maintaining Your Band Saw Blades

A band saw is an important tool for a wood worker. Its versatility is well-known, making it commonplace in industries such as metalworking, lumber yards and countless industrial facilities.  Its popularity also means that your band saw is worked hard on a daily basis. 

To keep your band saw running well, proper maintenance is as vital to it as correct usage of the equipment. Cleaning and maintenance of a band saw at regular intervals is essential for production and increased lifespan. The importance of regular maintenance of your band saw cannot be overemphasized. 

An important tip to remember: never limit the band saws maintenance to one part of the machine while overlooking the rest. All parts functioning together bring it to maximum performance. If you neglect a key part, such as the blade or a belt, there can be consequences to other pieces of the machinery. Regular maintenance with band saw coolant increase the longevity of the tool, enabling it to run smoothly and produce accurate cuts.

Keep your blades in peak condition by regularly following these care tips:

• Wear a new blade down before usage. This is a common mistake often overlooked. 
• Lubrication is a must, especially when cutting metal. 
• Release tension from the blade after every usage. When cutting materials, your blade heats up.  As it heats, it stretches.  As it cools, it shrinks.  This shrinking can cause tiny cracks in your blade if it is still under tension. 
• To get the most out of your blade it is important to sharpen it periodically.  With your band saw off, gently rub a sharpening stone along both sides of the blade.