Coolant performance secures three-year contract for Fuchs

With 34 manufacturing facilities throughout the world, the Amtek Group is a global automotive component manufacturing and assembling player. The Witham site, in Essex, is a ‘one stop shop’ for aluminium component solutions for a variety of automobiles. The contract was awarded partly based on the successful trial of a new water-soluble metalworking fluid, Fuchs Ecocool Ultralife A. This coolant is a semi-synthetic metalworking fluid specifically designed for heavy duty machining applications on aluminium alloys, as well as the machining of stainless steels and automotive aluminium castings. Coolant problems were eliminated and excellent machining performance, in milling and drilling applications on aluminium alloys (LM24), was recorded. Although no fluid maintenance or tank side additions were required during the entire trial period, coolant life was extended and fluid consumption was reduced considerably, even when it was running at lower concentrations. Fuchs will continue to supply Amtek with Ecocool Ultralife A, as well as provide a coolant management programme that has been designed to meet the company’s exact needs. The service includes a technician, based on site full time and fully supported by a team of technical specialists and modern laboratory facilities, to ensure that both the fluids and machines operate efficiently.