Clear subcontract vision after six mill-turn centre and mist filtration investment

However, Winton Precision experienced increasing problems with excessive oil usage and oil mist engulfing the workshop and so turned to Cardiff-based acs (Air Cleaning Systems) who supplied a mist filtration system that met the rigorous demands of the new machines. A 1000dpv free standing electrostatic filtration system that has been specifically designed for use in conjunction with sliding head lathes, was fitted and immediately resolved the issue. Winton Precision's managing director Peter Kenchington explains: "The 1000dpv was fitted to eradicate the fume problem we encountered as mist would fill the entire workshop and create an unbearable and unhealthy working environment." The 1000dpv ensures that, by keeping the machining enclosure under negative pressure using a 250 W integral fan/motor assembly, there is no egress of mist into the workshop. CNC programmer and setter Matt Dimmer commented: "We were relatively new to high specification multi-axis machine tools and being unable to see each of the processes through the mist was very un-nerving. Additionally, EN8 is renowned for being a difficult material regarding swarf evacuation and being a fire risk when used with neat oil. Being unable to see when the work envelope is packed with swarf and a potential fire hazard would force us to unnecessarily stop the machine to monitor swarf control." "Thanks to acs, the time consuming stoppages are no longer necessary. However, we do still have to open the machine door up to 10 times a day to remove swarf. Prior to the acs unit we would open the machine door and leave it stand for up to two minutes whilst the mist dissipates. This two minute downtime, 10 times a day is no longer necessary."