How Important Is Oil Filtration for Grinding?
Oil filtration is pretty important for grinding, especially when you’re trying to “dust” a few microns off a part.
.jpg;width=70;height=70;mode=crop;format=webp)
The 250-gallon centrifuge filtration system for this external thread grinding machine removes swarf as small as 5 microns from the full-synthetic oil coolant the machine uses.
B&R Grinding, located just south of Chicago’s O’Hare airport, specializes in precision thread grinding. Its latest CNC external thread grinder, a GS:TE 200 unit from Drake Manufacturing, offers a 1-meter grind length and180-degree grinding wheel power helix. This machine enables the shop to accommodate the longer, higher-helix-angle thread grinding work its customers are asking it to perform.
Another important component of this machine is its 250-gallon centrifuge filtration system that removes swarf as small as 5 microns from the oil. That prevents the swarf from being introduced between the wheel and the workpiece, which could create scratches. It also cools the oil to a consistent 70°F, and some of it is delivered through the machine’s headstock to prevent spindle expansion during grinding operations.
Learn more about how the shop leverages this machine capability and others in this article.
Related Content
-
When Organic Growth in Your Machine Shop Isn’t Enough
Princeton Tool wanted to expand its portfolio, increase its West Coast presence, and become a stronger overall supplier. To accomplish all three goals at once, acquiring another machine shop became its best option.
-
Volumetric Accuracy Is Key to Machining James Webb Telescope
To meet the extreme tolerance of the telescope’s beryllium mirrors, the manufacturer had to rely on stable horizontal machining centers with a high degree of consistency volumetric accuracy.
-
Palmgren Launches Combination Bench Lathe, Mill
The 11" bench engine lathe and gear head mill is able to handle a wide range of turning, milling and drilling operations typically found on much larger machinery.
