Metal Working Lubricants & Equipment
What is semi-dry machining?
Semi-dry machining, also referred to as "MQL (Minimum Quantity Lubrication)," "Near Dry Cut," or "Near Dry Machining," involves the process of cutting metal with atomised droplets of highly lubricious cutting fluid. These droplets are meticulously applied in minimal quantities directly to the cutting edge of the tool, ensuring pinpoint accuracy. The usage of these droplets is remarkably small, ranging from 4 ml to 30 ml per hour, allowing for machining to take place in conditions that are virtually dry.
In this innovative approach, the amount of fluid supplied to the machining point is significantly reduced compared to traditional wet machining processes, constituting about a sixty-thousandth of the volume. Achieving such precision in fluid application demands sophisticated technology capable of delivering minute amounts of high lubricity fluid to an exact point, while maintaining precise on/off response. This method not only minimises the consumption of cutting fluid but also enhances the efficiency of the machining process by operating in near-dry conditions.
Metalworking Lubricants
Our metalworking lubricants, specially formulated for MQL (Minimum Quantity Lubrication), optimise the efficiency of applicators to the fullest extent. These high-performance products prioritise human and environmental well-being.
| Description | Lubricant |
|---|---|
| High lubricity | Bluebe LB-1, Accu-Lube LB-2000 |
| High - Medium lubricity | Bluebe LB-7 |
| Medium lubricity and less oil stain | Bluebe LB-10, Accu-Lube LB-6000 |
What are the benefits of MQL machining?
MQL machining, also known as Minimum Quantity Lubrication, offers a range of advantages across various dimensions:
- Internal and External Applicators: MQL machining provides versatility through both internal and external applicators, ensuring efficient lubrication in a variety of machining scenarios.
- Genuine Lubricants: The utilisation of authentic lubricants enhances the overall effectiveness of MQL machining, contributing to improved performance and reliability.
- Global Environmental Impact: MQL machining aligns with global environmental initiatives by promoting the use of genuine lubricants and minimising the reliance on conventional coolants.
- MK (General-Purpose Type): The adoption of MK (general-purpose type) in MQL machining further diversifies its applicability, making it suitable for a wide range of machining tasks.
- Elimination or Reduction of Coolants: By eliminating or significantly reducing the need for traditional coolants, MQL machining creates a more favourable working environment and supports the principles of the 5-S campaign.
- Increased Productivity: MQL machining contributes to heightened productivity by extending tool life and enhancing overall machining efficiency.
- Cost Savings: This innovative machining technique brings about cost savings in various aspects, including reduced power consumption, efficient waste oil disposal, minimised incidentals, and a consequential decrease in CO2 emissions.
- Space Conservation: MQL machining enables a substantial reduction in facility costs by conserving space, optimising the utilisation of available resources.
- Reduced Facility Costs: The implementation of MQL machining not only saves space but also leads to reduced facility costs, particularly in terms of maintenance and resource management.
- Compliance with Laws and Regulations: MQL machining ensures conformity with diverse laws and regulations concerning substances of concern, including internationally recognised standards such as ISO14001 and fire safety laws.
- Fire Risk Reduction: The incorporation of fire-resistant base oil in MQL machining significantly reduces the risk of fire, enhancing safety measures within the machining environment.
External applicator
Model FK : Standard type
In the standard FK model, the choice of the number of nozzles or pumps is flexible, allowing adaptation based on the specific machining conditions.
Model JK : Compact type
Compact in design, the JK model supports a maximum of two nozzles, offering a simplified structure without a box. For added versatility, a box cover is optionally available.
Model BK : For precision machining type
Designed for precision machining, the BK model consistently delivers a specified quantity of lubricant from the nozzle's tip to the machining point. This applicator ensures a continuous supply of uniformly sized lubricant droplets, promoting a consistent machining load on cutting tools and facilitating the production of higher-quality parts.
Model MK : General –purposes type
The general-purpose MK model reliably delivers a predetermined quantity of lubricant from the nozzle's tip to the machining point, with the flexibility to set the lubricant amount in 12 increments through a dial adjustment.
External applicator facilitates the delivery of atomised lubricant droplets through external nozzles adjacent to the cutting tool, utilising a coaxial tube to blend lubricant and air at the nozzle tip. This configuration ensures a steady supply of lubricant droplets with precise on/off response, allowing for straightforward retrofitting to existing equipment. Additionally, individual control over the amounts of air and lubricant is possible, with the exception of the BK model.
Applicable equipment
Lathes (NC or conventional), NC milling machines (without ATC), drilling machines, radial drilling machines, hobbing machines, broaching machines, rolling machines, circular saws, band saws, stamps etc.
Internal applicator
The Through-the-Tool Micro Lubrication System revolutionises CNC machining, turning Near Dry Machining (NDM) into a reality. Filling the gap left by traditional mist applicators, especially in machining centres equipped with automatic tool changers and CNC lathes, the EcoBooster from FBC provides an innovative solution. Tailored for machines featuring through-the-tool coolant systems, tool holders with coolant supply, and oil hole tools, the EcoBooster is meticulously designed to eliminate the need for flood coolants.
By delivering just a few millilitres per day of Bluebe/Accu-Lube lubricant, the EcoBooster effectively replaces hundreds of litres of conventional flood coolant. This cutting-edge system atomises the Bluebe/Accu-Lube lubricant into micro-droplets, propelling them at near-sonic velocity to the cutting edge without adhering to the machine's through-the-tool coolant system. This precise delivery ensures that the lubricant reaches the cutting edge with minimal waste or excess, optimising the machining process.
Atomised lubricant droplets are generated within the chamber and directed into the machine through existing piping or coolant lines. This versatile system accommodates the use of drills with oil holes and/or taps with oil holes, suitable for through-spindle or side-through arbour configurations.
The internal applicator, distinct from its external counterpart, is employed for machining operations that are not feasible with an external applicator. Specifically, turret-type NC lathes necessitate the selection of an internal applicator due to the dynamic movement of the cutting point and the rotation of the turret.
For Machining Centres, the internal applicator becomes imperative as the Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) operation alters the length and/or diameter of the tool. In such cases, an external applicator is limited in its ability to adapt to changes in cutting position with a nozzle. However, it's worth noting that an external applicator may find applicability in die and mould machining scenarios involving an end mill with a fixed length.
Model EB3 : BASIC series
The EB3 air pressure manual control type model distributes atomised lubricant droplets through the through-spindle piping in a Machining Centre or via the coolant piping in an NC lathe. Application of the lubricant to the cutting edge is achieved through the utilisation of a nozzle or a tool equipped with oil hole(s).
Model EB3P/EB7P : P series
Incorporating internal pressure automatic control functionality, providing an additional feature to the EB3 (air pressure manual control type).
Model EB3EP/EB7EP : EP series
Equipped with automatic control for both oil quantity and internal pressure, these models are intended for installation on machines prior to shipment from the machine tool manufacturer. The applicators provide exceptional flexibility across a range of equipment, thanks to the customisation options available through the manufacturer's programming.
Model EB7VP/EB7EP(F) : Custom-ordered special type
The EB7VP model features internal pressure automatic control and enables fluid feeding during operation, allowing for continuous operation with a separate 4,000ml reservoir. The smart and space-efficient floor type EcoBooster, Model EB7EP(F), accompanied by a contained pressure booster.
