It is common knowledge, use of cutting fluids in the daily CNC machining process, and the way it holds on the result of milling a product. Although the fact that objects or products can at times be machined dry is an intriguing concept to consider.
A discovery made by accident, reduction in the use of the cutting fluid for specific milling operations was found to have a considerable impact on the total savings, probable improvement in the tool life, and an unexpected leap in the performance of the machine during the specific operations.
Statistics indicate how the changing trends and upkeep costs of the cutting fluids account for close to 16% of the average price of the job, while a mere 4% is accounted for the upkeep of the tools themselves. This is the primary reason for opting for dry machining for certain operations over the comparatively negligible fall in the lifespan of the cutting tools.
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Understanding the Conditions of Use for Dry Machining
Dry Machining can only be brought into play under certain work conditions and material considerations. Not all materials can be machined without the use of the cutting fluid. In some cases, the cutting fluid may be furnishing a different purpose than what it was intended for.
Here are a few factors that determine the extent of use of the cutting fluid during milling and whether it can be used in moderation for certain operations.
- Operations like Drilling, Tapping, and Reaming requires the effects of the cutting fluid but not primarily for cooling. Here, lubrication flushes out stray chips from the work path as well as reduces the torque needed at the point of contact of the tool, and the product, from the machine.
- The fear of contamination in certain workpieces, for example, a medical implant, discourages the use of the cutting fluid, or any fluid for that matter.
- Depending on the type of material of the product being machined, the use of the cutting fluid can be moderated. Their use becomes redundant for materials like alloys of aluminum, cast iron, alloyed steel, and carbon. Although for low-carbon steel and stainless steel, the cutting fluid is required as a lubricant to reduce heat.
- Gaseous fluids, like shop air, often replace cutting fluids when required to simply blow away the excess chips from machining, which in turn ensures control of heat buildup during the operation.
- A rising trend representing Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) can be employed when you require minor amounts of lubrication at the appropriate location of machining. This method releases minute quantities of the fluid accurately in the required location through the tool itself.
Increase in Productivity of the Used CNC Machines
Used CNC machines are no less inferior to a brand new CNC Machine and, comparing the level of production obtained by one, speaks for itself. Acquiring a used CNC machine from a reputed dealer is a sure-fire way of making a drastic positive change in general production.
Trusted dealers furnish used machinery, like a used milling machine, as repurposed tools with added incentives of maintenance services and quality upgrades, which come at cost-effective prices. Hi-Tech Machinery Inc., is one of the top-class dealers in Complete Manufacturing Equipment and Facilities, specializing in acquiring and sales of used as well as new CNC machinery. Browsing through their exhaustive list of Used CNC Machines for Sale is a fruitful method of investing in worthy assets that prove crucial in boosting your business production.
When you draw up the advantages of utilizing the cutting fluid in moderation or going the Dry Machining way along with the usage of used CNC machines in your production line, the profit gained by such timely intervention is always a welcome prospect. So go ahead and invest in the changing trends of the industry.