Bielomatik MQL technology for more demanding machining applications

In a conventional system, lubricant is piped to the Bielomatik rotary transmission unit, where the 'quick-valve' provides the exact dose of oil. The oil is supplied through a lance, which is located in the centre of the spindle, and into the pipe nozzle in the tool holder. Compressed air is also fed to the mixing chamber via the rotary transmission through a 2nd channel in the lance. This process produces a fine air-oil mixture that is then delivered directly to the cutting tip. Where external nozzles were perceived as the only option for heavier duty applications, the single channel MQL system was adopted. However, this offers only a part solution, particularly when undertaking heavy roughing cuts, where it struggles to deliver sufficient lubricant to the cutter tips. Bielomatik's external 2-channel mixing nozzle takes the place of the rotary coupling and brings about a design that represents a breakthrough in MQL delivery systems. Air is connected into the main through-port, this can be from the MQL programmable air supply, as in through-spindle applications, or, for simple single process applications, air can be supplied directly from the machine's air. With this arrangement oil, is delivered to the mixing nozzle from an in-line high speed valve, exactly as per the internal system. Also, the oil is pressurised to 15 bar and injected into the air stream, ensuring that all air flow carries oil to the cutting tip. Hence the Bielomatik system provides programmable control of the amount of oil introduced into the air stream, from 5 to 500 ml per hour, dependant on oil viscosity. This allows more machining applications to benefit from MQL technology, such as rough milling, tapping, shearing, rolling and forming.