5 Best Practices for Managing Your CNC Coolant Fluid

When it comes to managing your CNC coolant fluid, there are several best practices that you should follow. The last thing you want is for your CNC machine to run inefficiently, leading to costly delays and repairs.

Whether you’re just starting with CNC machining or have been in the business for years, these five best practices for managing your CNC coolant fluid can keep your machines running smoothly.

5 Best Practices for Managing Your CNC Coolant Fluid

Monitor Sump Levels Regularly

Monitoring the volume of your coolant fluid in the CNC sump is essential to ensure that proper cooling and lubrication are getting to the tooling and workpiece. The temperature of the coolant is most noticeable during the hot months of the year. Water evaporation causes an increase in coolant concentration, and sump volume is reduced. Thick coolant reduces cooling at the tooling and creates slime and build-up on windows, materials, and tables. Make sure to check the sump volume when starting and finishing the day. Always replenish as needed.

Change Filters Regularly

Your CNC coolant fluid needs to be filtered periodically to remove particles that can accumulate over time. It’s important to change the CNC coolant filter regularly, as they become less effective at filtering out impurities and get clogged with dirt and debris. Clean filters also help reduce wear on pumps and other parts of your CNC machine that rely on coolant fluids.

Keep the Tank Clean

Clean the tank where your coolant fluid is stored regularly with your coolant supplier’s recommended cleaning agent. Make sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water and run the CNC pump to flush the coolant delivery lines and nozzles. It is often recommended to flush the CNC with a small dilution of fresh coolant before doing a full charge of clean coolant as well. Cleaning the tank will help prevent and remove bacteria growth and buildup, which can lead to a shorter sump life for the coolant.

Check pH Levels Often

It’s important to check the pH level of your coolant fluid regularly to ensure it is balanced for optimal performance. An abrupt change in pH could show itself as issues with mixing, water, the operator’s skin, paint peeling, or staining of parts.

Dispose of Old Fluids Responsibly

When disposing of old coolant fluids, always use a reputable company specializing in hazardous waste removal services. These companies will safely dispose of old fluids and follow local laws and regulations for hazardous waste disposal. Remember, cradle to grave. Where the dirty fluid came from is where it will be traced back to if your disposal company fails.

Properly managing your CNC cooling fluids is essential to ensure optimal performance from your machines and tools. By following these five tips, you can rest assured that you are taking proper care of your CNC equipment for years to come!

EdjeTech has coolant filtration systems that help keep your CNC coolant fluids clean and running smoothly. Not only do our filtration systems reduce maintenance costs, but they also help extend the life of your CNC machines and tooling. Contact us today to learn more about our CNC coolant filtration solutions!

4 Tips for Lowering Metalworking Coolant Costs

Optimized coolant usage and disposal allow metalworking facilities to save money on materials, equipment, labor, and more. Because fluids and other materials are increasing in price, saving money on coolant costs is a significant goal for businesses. Improve your bottom line with these tips for lowering metalworking coolant costs in your shop.

4 Tips for Lowering Metalworking Coolant Costs

Document Coolant and Other Material Costs

Thorough documentation is a valuable practice you should apply to all aspects of your business. However, it’s particularly beneficial when recording information about coolant purchases, disposal costs, and overall material lifespans.

In addition to keeping track of coolant purchases over time, you should also document performance factors, such as tool and equipment life, the surface finish of products, production rates, and machine downtime. This information allows you to monitor the cost, lifespan, and efficacy of your coolant, giving you a clear idea of your shop’s overall investment and return for metalworking coolant.

Start With High-Quality Fluids

Make sure the coolant you buy is worth your money. Keep in mind that this might mean choosing higher-end options to experience better performance and a longer coolant life. Poor quality coolants can lead to decreased productivity, excessive wear of tools and parts, and a need for more frequent equipment maintenance. Choosing high-quality coolants from dependable vendors ensures greater efficiency and productivity while preserving the life of your coolant, tools, and equipment.

Invest in a Coolant Filtration System

Coolant filtration systems allow you to recycle and reuse coolant, extending the life of your fluids and saving money on fluid costs. A dependable machine coolant recycling system filters out debris, particles, and oil. This allows for cleaner, safer operation, better performance, and a smoother finish for your products.

Dispose of Coolant Wisely

Decreasing disposal costs goes a long way toward lowering metalworking coolant costs. One thing to pay attention to is whether your coolant is hazardous or nonhazardous when you dispose of it. For example, coolant that contains toxic additives is hazardous and, therefore, more expensive to dispose of safely. Maintaining nonhazardous coolant lowers the price of disposal and helps you save money on your overall fluid costs.

EdjeTech sells top-of-the-line coolant filtration systems to extend the life of your coolant, improve equipment performance, and reduce the amount of money you spend on disposal. Learn more about our filtration solutions by contacting our team today.

The Benefits of Professional Industrial Fluid Management

As a metalworking business owner, you have many things to think about. Running a clean and environmentally friendly shop should be one of these, but it can be difficult to know where to start. Getting your shop on a professional industrial fluid management plan can help you reach many of your goals. There are several benefits to having professional industrial fluid management in your shop.

 

    1. You’ll reduce your coolant costs. Proper fluid management includes cleaning and recycling your coolant. By cleaning your coolant, you can use it repeatedly before it must be disposed of. This can reduce the amount of coolant your shop uses by as much as 80%, saving you money.
    1. Your shop is cleaner and safer. By constantly cleaning your coolant, your shop is more sanitary as well, reducing odors and dangerous fumes. Your employees will appreciate this, and you may even see the number of sick days in your shop reduced.
    1. Your shop is more environmentally friendly. When you recycle your coolant, you have less to dispose of throughout the year, decreasing your carbon footprint. Not only is this better for the environment, but it saves you money in disposal fees, as well.

 

These three benefits can add up to a big payoff for your business. By running a clean shop, you’ll provide a safer and more comfortable workplace for your employees. You’ll save money for your business, and you’ll be doing a favor for the planet. Getting your industrial fluid management plan in place sooner rather than later can help you reach all these goals quickly, and have them firmly in place as your business grows. This means you can get on with other important items on your company’s business agenda. EdjeTech Services offers on-site consultation services to assess your current industrial fluid management plan and create a new plan of action that will save you money and improve your shop’s efficiency. Contact us at (800) 242-0525 or support@edjetech.com to book your consultation!