Industries which are in the manufacturing sector, including automotive, aerospace, tooling, heavy and light engineering, typically make use of CNC machining for various processes. This is primarily because these systems allow for precise designs implemented accurately and consistently for multiple parts and tools. These systems, however, do have a downside – they generate excessive amounts of heat during the machining processes.
The application and drawbacks of coolants:
To counter the generated heat, either water-based or oil-based coolants are used in the machining procedures. This subsequently leads to generation of oil or coolant mist that can reduce the air quality within the shopfloor. Additionally the mist particles may settle into the small gaps and crevices in the machines and can cause complete system failures if left unchecked. The poor air quality can also lead to health issues among the workers within the shopfloor.
Why Air Pollution Control is Essential
Through the use of a proper air pollution control system, the workspace can be kept clean and safe. Some of the benefits include:
- Protect Health of Workers: By clearing the air of pollutants, the workers are protected from contaminants and reduce health risks.
- Keep Machines in Good Condition: As captured mist particles can no longer settle within the gaps of the machines, the equipment stays clean and runs better for longer.
- Meet Environmental Regulations: Cleaner air means adhering to environmental rules.
- Economical Benefits: The captured coolant mist can be recovered from the mist collector and then reused, allowing for long term economical benefits.
The Solution: Mist Collectors
Based on the type of coolant being used, different types of mist collectors may be used to control the generated mist. Water based coolant mist can be controlled using a centrifugal mist collector. Alternatively, oil based coolant mist can be controlled using an electrostatic oil mist collector.
These mist collectors make use of the concept of mist evacuation where the entire volume of air within the enclosed CNC machines are evacuated within a short span of time, usually 5 – 10 seconds. This ensures that by the time the operator opens the doors of the machine, all the air is evacuated and no mist escapes into the shopfloor.
The process of CNC machining can lead to generation of oil based or water based coolant mist. These pollutants can be controlled using a mist collector. For any requirements to do with mist extraction, reach out to us today.