ACT launches magnetically attaching portable EcoLube MQL system
1 min read
Advanced Carbide Tooling's Advanced Micro Lubrication subsidiary has developed the MQL (minimum quantity lubrication), a smaller variant of ACT's MicroLube system. The cost effective standalone solution can be magnetically attached to any machine tool and relocated to another as and when required. The system is suitable for sawing, milling, drilling, tapping and reaming, swaging and pipe manipulation applications.
The EcoLube system provides 'near dry' machining which avoids the disadvantages of flood coolant. A pneumatically controlled applicator unit delivers very small amounts of a vegetable-based oil that has no EP additives or chlorine. The lubricant is pumped through a small capillary tube around which an outer tube blows compressed air to effectively spray the oil on to the cutting tool. Varying the length of the stroke of the pump controls the volume of the liquid, while a small frequency generator controls the timing of each pulse. Normal lubricant consumption for a milling operation would be approximately 10 ml per nozzle per hour.
As standard, the EcoLube has a third of a litre oil reservoir that is sufficient for 30 hours' production. Oil flow can be controlled by a stroke delivery setting while the air line ensures that the heavier-than-air oil droplets are continuously delivered to the cutting edge.
The EcoLube is a fully portable unit that can be adapted to all types of machine tool. It requires only an air line to deliver 80 to 150 psi of compressed air and a ferrous surface for the magnets to clamp to the machine.
To ensure the oil reaches its target, the hoses are provided in 2.5 m length as standard with options up to 15 m, while end nozzles are offered in lengths from 150 to 750 mm in copper or steel, or even as a horseshoe type for bandsaw applications.
