Small to large machine shops have ongoing costs of operation that can dramatically impact the bottom line of the business. Some of these operating costs, such as consumables and materials, cannot be significantly lowered, while other costs can be directly impacted by changing practices.
One of the constant costs in running any type of machining equipment is the need to continually change out old coolant. When the coolant contains entrained oil or grease, or when chips and debris from the machining processes are present, the coolant may actually become a problem. Poor cooling ability and increased risk of damage to the systems means having to change out this coolant on a regular basis.
Consistent Filtration
A better and more effective option is to invest in a centralized machine coolant filtration system. There are also portable units that can be moved to the equipment, but with larger shops and multiple operators using the equipment, filtration of the coolant can easily be overlooked.
Using the centralized system, the coolant is cycled continuously through the filtration system. With regular filtration, the life of the coolant is extended, and potentially damaging contaminants in the liquid are removed before they cause problems with performance or equipment components.
Cost Savings
In removing oil and solids from the coolant, heat and other factors play less of a role in decreasing the life of cutting tools and equipment. This is a cost-saving that is directly related to the equipment but also helps to reduce downtime, maintenance requirements, and the cost of repairs.
The extension of the life cycle of the coolant is also a factor in choosing a coolant filtration system. By increasing the duration of the time the coolant can be used in conjunction with decreasing costs of disposal and replacement, a coolant filtration system can pay for itself in a short period of time.