Learn How You can Extend Tool Life with the Right Lubricants

Posted by Alok Tools on March 14th, 2019

If we were to reveal a secret for extending the life of your industrial tools while decreasing the wear and tear on your machinery, and ensuring that your plant or factory remains clean at the same time, would you be excited?

You’re in luck, here in today’s post, we show you the benefits of applying the right lubricants in the right way to your tools. Let’s get started.

Introducing Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL)

As the name implies, minimum quantity lubrication is a process of applying lubricants directly onto the interface of the cutting tools. This process is highly advantageous for various industrial processes like sawing, drilling, milling, turning and tapping.

By switching over to MQL, industrial plant owners see a huge reduction in their overall operational costs. Here are the top benefits of MQL:

• Extended tool life
• Decreased maintenance
• Increase in machine uptime

Let’s take a look at the three critical elements for successful lubricant application.

Factor No.1: Choosing the Right Lubricant

Choosing the right lubricant plays a crucial role in extending the lifetime of your industrial tools. Finding the right lubricant for your tool depends on several factors like tool type, tool material and tool manufacturer. Check out the manufacturer manuals to find out if there are any specific lubricants recommended for your tools. If yes, make sure you use the recommended one.

Here are a few factors to keep in mind, while choosing lubricants for your tools. Oil-based lubricants work better than water-based lubes for covering a metal surface. Furthermore, not all oils work the same. Organic oils are better lubricants compared to mineral based oils. Polar molecules have opposite electrical charges at either end, which in turn, creates a thin consistent bond between the metallic surface and the lubricant.

Additionally, look for lubricants that are highly stable and prevents oxidation of the metals, thereby preventing rust formation on the surface of your tools.

Factor No.2: Finding the Right Mode of Lubricant Application

Successful application of a lubricant plays a crucial role in extending the life of your industrial tools. You need to apply the lubricant precisely, for it to do its job effectively. You need to ensure that the lubricant gets right in between the cutting edge and the workpiece.

Using too little lubricant causes an increase in friction, which in turn, increases the heat buildup in the tool. On the other hand, if you use too much lubricant, it not only increases lubricant expenditure but could also lead to premature tool damage.

In MQL, your goal is to ensure that you maintain a thin film of lubricant along the cutting interface. Some tools require tools with multiple nozzles or specific configurations to ensure that the lubricant is applied uniformly, along with the cutting interface.

For instance, lubricating drilling tools is difficult, as it’s hard to maintain a consistent film of lubricant along the drill holes. In such cases, you need a specially designed spindle applicator to ensure that the lubricant is spread uniformly along the tool’s interface.

While choosing a lubricant application system, look for systems that can deliver fluid in a consistent and precise manner. Positive displacement pump applicators work more consistently compared to venture-type lube applicator systems.

Additionally, look for systems that mix air and oil equally to maintain consistent fluid delivery. The best lubricant applicators hold air and oil separately and mix them only before application. Also, don’t forget to consider the air flow in the system. Too much air flow could cause the applicator to mist up. Ideal applicators use only enough air that gets the oil to cool, without causing misting of the lubricant applicant.

Factor No.3: The Machining System

To achieve the optimal effects of lubrication, you have to consider several elements including – the lubricant applicator, proper tooling, and chip evacuation. All these factors must work cohesively to ensure that your tools are properly and adequately lubricated.

Final Thoughts

With the right lubricant, the right application, and the right machining system, you can see an incredible increase in tool life, while reducing your overall operational costs and keeping your plant clean.

If you have any doubts regarding the right lubricants for your tools, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our tool experts here at Alok Tools, India’s leading lubrication tool manufacturer.

Original Source: https://www.aloktools.com/choosing-the-right-lubricant/