Large machine tools protected from fire risks more cost-effectively

In addition, latest remote sensing technology is used with either IR (Infra Red) or UV (Ultra Violet) sensors being able to register the smallest change in light and/or heat and to offer reaction times of under a second in case of a fire incident. Furthermore, another new development is the use of magnetic valves to release the fire suppression gas as opposed to the older design of pyrotechnical detonator. Previously virtually all machine tool fire suppression systems used a form of pyrotechnical detonator. These may have had an initial cost advantage but they also have several major drawbacks; they are classed as "explosives" and transportation is a costly and major issue; pyrotechnical release valves have a guaranteed shelf-life of only 3 years and therefore require regular replacement, while the magnetic valve has no such restriction. Kraft & Bauer automatic fire extinguishers are fitted as standard by many of Europe's leading machine tool companies. Kraft & Bauer fire extinguishers have become the preferred choice of grinding machine manufacturers, such as Walter, Schneeberger, Vollmer and Rollomatic ,and are also fitted to Anca and Reinecker tool grinding machines. There are now well over 400 systems in place throughout the UK fitted to all types of machine tools, including grinding, turning, milling, EDM and superfinishing machines, and over 3,500 are sold every year. Sytems may also be found protecting CNC turning machines from Tornos, Traub and Index and they are also regularly fitted to Citizen and Star machines and to rotary transfer turning machines produced by Mikron and Hydromat. Kraft & Bauer UK has also retrofitted fire protection systems to several large machining centres, manufactured by companies such as Matsuura plus smaller machines from Haas and Bridgeport.