As you know, Coolant Delivery Systems can come in various shapes, and sizes. The coolant itself plays a huge role especially in modern CNC machining, such as milling, turning as well as sawing operations. Coolant eliminates heat which is generated by friction between the cutting tool and workpiece. Coolant helps to greatly reduce temperatures that can build up during the metal cutting process, coolant also helps to lubricate the cutting tool and wash swarf chips away from the cutting tool and component.... Read more below.
As you know, Coolant Delivery Systems can come in various shapes, and sizes. The coolant itself plays a huge role in modern CNC machining, such as milling, turning as well as sawing operations. Coolant eliminates heat which is generated by friction between the cutting tool and workpiece. Coolant helps to greatly reduce temperatures that can build up during the metal cutting process, coolant also helps to lubricate the cutting tool and wash swarf chips away from the cutting tool and component.
As a result, adding the correct coolant delivery systems to a machining process greatly helps to increase tool life and will also improve the workpiece surface finish, creating consistent part-quality time after time.
But how do you choose the right one for your needs?
Well, we have put together this handy guide to help you work out which ones are right for you, and if you are still not sure, our friendly customer service team is then on hand to help you as well.
So, What are Coolant Delivery Systems?
Definition: Coolant delivery systems really are ideal when used in conjunction with CNC machines and metalworking operations these products are designed to direct a flow of coolant straight at the cutting tool cutting zone to remove any heat that can build up this then allows the machine operative to run cutting tools faster which increases productivity and more importantly profit margins as an end result.
As a result, the fundamental role of coolant is to reduce heat, which minimises tool wear and then ultimately extends tool life, it coolant will also improve part quality due to this.
Coolant can be delivered in many different ways, you may hear expressions like flood coolant, through-spindle setups, and high-pressure coolant systems, to name a few, what you can fit all depends on the machine tool itself and the feature you need to machine.
Coolant delivery systems are also ideal for chip removal, by, maintaining a good stable coolant flow, and supporting all CNC machining operations by keeping things cool and clean will improve your performance across a wide range of metal cutting processes.
What is Their Importance in Metalworking?
So, whether you’re drilling, milling, or turning, a good cooling system will really help you improve machining conditions.
This is possible as good coolant flow directed at the cutting edges helps with chip removal and reduces tool wear at the same time as well.
Overview of System Types
When looking into the most suitable coolant system for you, here you will find a wide range of products to choose from. Ranging from submersible coolant pumps to flexible pipe systems, nozzles and mixer valves or even coolant bacteria testing kits and filtration systems all which help deliver a good clean coolant at the correct concentration, these products are well suited for both CNC and manual machine tools.
Types of Coolant Delivery Systems
For instance, when it comes to coolant forms, here you have:
Lubricant types And Applicators
Another way to apply cutting fluids and lubricants on manual machines, where oil-based or water-soluble coolant is manually dispensed from a bottle over the area to be machined. As a result, these are more ideally suited for general machine shop work like pedestal drilling machines for example.
Mist Coolant Systems
Mist Coolant Systems are then great for light-duty machining work as they spray a fine mist of coolant, this reduces the amount of coolant delivered - but isn’t recommended for heavy-duty or high-speed machining tasks as flood coolant are more suited for this.
Through-Spindle Coolant Systems
Through-spindle coolant Systems or often known as TSC are often seen on CNC machines are then ideal and used for tasks like deep hole drilling operations where it’s difficult to direct coolant to the cutting edges. End Mill Selection, these systems delivers high-pressure coolant through the centre of the machines spindle into the tool holder and also cutting tool, please note the machine itself will need to include this feature to have any benefit from using through tool coolant cutting tools and tool holders.
Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) Systems
These then use minimum quantity lubrication also known as MQL, which is helpful with eliminating waste oil which needs to be disposed of professionally, this reduces operating costs, and improving your environmental impact all at the same time.
These systems are also becoming more popular in newer automation systems, as you will find due to these features.
Key Components of Coolant Systems
So, what are coolant systems made up of?
Well, here they can differ in a number of ways, such as by instance:
Pumps
The coolant pumps generate the coolant pressure which is required for effective coolant delivery.
Nozzles and Hoses
The nozzles and hoses then guide the coolant directly to the cutting zone, and here, you can purchase modular and flexible coolant delivery systems, which will help to improve access and also controls coolant flow pressures by adding a tap valve as well.
Filtration Units
Next, we have the Filtration Units. These units then keep the coolant clean from swarf and tramp oil, which is really ideal for keeping the coolant clean.
Coolant Reservoirs
Benefits of Efficient Coolant Delivery
So why should you use these?
Well, there are a number of reasons why, such as:
Improves Your Overall Tool Life
Here, you will notice that a good flow of a correctly mixed coolant will reduce wear on all cutting tools, which extends the improves lifespan of cutting tools at the same time.
Improved Surface Finish
Good cooling isn't just about improving tool life, the end result is also improved surface finish so the overall look and feel of the component is of a much superior quality as well.
Reduced Thermal Deformation
As you know, when using CNC machines running at high speeds and feeds, sometimes you can experience Thermal Deformation, this is where the corner on the inserts starts to melt leading to poor surface finishes and measurement inaccuracies.
Well, with the correct coolant system deployed, these issues can disappear.
How to Select the Right Coolant System?
When it comes to selecting the right coolant system for you, here you have several steps to go through.
For instance, here you should start by:
Assessing Your Machining Needs
Before investing in a new coolant delivery system you first need to take into consideration the workpiece material, machine type, operation, and tool life requirements, to establish the best coolant system to suit your needs.
Compatibility with Existing Equipment
Next, once you know your requirements, you should make sure the coolant delivery system will fit your current machine tool; otherwise, you could have compatibility issues.
So Are CNC Coolant Delivery Systems Right For You?
Whether you use a flood coolant system or an advanced high pressure unit, good coolant delivery systems tend to result with better tool life, and more efficient metal cutting operations, and an overall better part quality finish as well.
So we hope that you know now how to choose a system that matches your exact needs and how to keep it maintained to give you the best machine shop and output that you can.
Contact Customer Support
If you are still not sure about which is the correct Silver Steel for you, or you need help, then for further information please contact our team, and we will be happy to help you understand which ones are perfect for you and your team. We can also help you with a number of other drill bits from Jobber Length Drills, Taper Shank Drills to the right Twist drill set as well, or even cutter drill bits with a straight flute design to ones with a varying number of flutes and lots more - our team is here to help you.
Standard Delivery Options
We have also extended our delivery service and ordering hours to offer you free next-working-day delivery with immediate despatch, making your shipping experience even easier.
Place your order online by 7 p.m. and choose the delivery charge that suits you - including next-day dispatch - to ensure you get a timely, UK mainland hassle-free delivery of your products.
Standard free UK delivery is also available for all products ordered within the specified time, with free shipping and a good returns policy for certain items as well.
Who Is MSC Industrial Supply Co.?
Here at MSC Industrial Supply Co., we are a leading supplier of industrial machine tools, equipment, and maintenance supplies across the United Kingdom. As a result, we can offer trade accounts, a vast selection of new and great-value products from tool sets to metalworking cutting tools and lots more, with free next-day delivery on eligible orders as well.
Our extensive range includes everything from hand tools and power tools to specialised hole-making equipment like blacksmith drill bits, core drills, and machine reamers, to name just a few.
As a result, we can provide you with a comprehensive selection of products, including:
As a result, we serve a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and engineering to maintenance and beyond. Consequently, our commitment to providing quality products and exceptional customer service makes us a trusted partner for all your industrial needs.
With our knowledgeable customer support team and technical assistance available Mon-Fri, we ensure you have the support you need to succeed.