Sustainable machining refers to the use of eco-friendly and efficient practices to minimize waste, reduce environmental impact, and promote long-term sustainability. It involves a variety of techniques and best practices, one of them being proper management of coolant and other machining fluids.

What is coolant management?

Coolant management refers to the set of practices and procedures used to properly manage the coolant and other cutting fluids used in machining processes. Proper coolant management is a key aspect of sustainable machining, as coolant is an essential component of many machining processes.

As companies face pressure to operate in a more sustainable manner, looking into proper coolant management will improve efficiency and productivity, while reducing operating costs linked to waste generation and energy consumption, and reducing environmental impact from the by-product of coolant waste. In this article, we will explore some of the best practices in managing your coolant.

Best practices for sustainable coolant management

To effectively manage your coolant in your factory and promote sustainability, it is essential to implement several best practices. Here are some basic steps you can take.

Select proper coolant for your specific machining process

The right coolant can help improve machining results while minimizing environmental impact. Coolants vary significantly in their composition and properties, so choosing the right one depends is imperative.

Your decision should be based on the following factors.

1. Type of material being machined
2. The speed of the operation
3. The desired surface finishes

Monitor coolant pH levels to mitigate potential issues

The pH level of coolant indicates its acidity or alkalinity, and has a significant impact on its performance and lifespan. Ideally, coolant should have a pH level within a specific range that is suitable for the specific machining process.

Regular replacement of coolant to maintain quality

Coolant becomes contaminated with dirt, debris, and other materials that can affect its performance and lifespan. Additionally, coolant can break down over time, losing its lubricating and cooling properties and becoming less effective.

Establish a regular replacement schedule based on the specific machining processes and usage. Generally, coolant should be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on usage and other factors. Additionally, if the coolant becomes visibly dirty or has a foul odour, it should be replaced immediately.

Clean coolant tanks and disinfect them to prevent contamination

Cleaning coolant tanks and disinfecting them is also important to prevent contamination. Coolant tanks can become contaminated with bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that can negatively impact coolant effectiveness and lead to health hazards for operators. Cleaning the tanks and disinfecting them can help prevent these issues and ensure the longevity of the coolant.

Recycle coolant to reduce waste and promote sustainability

Recycling coolant is an effective way to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Coolant recycling involves collecting used coolant, removing contaminants, and restoring the coolant's properties to extend its lifespan and usability. By recycling coolant, machine shops can reduce the amount of waste generated and minimize the need to purchase and dispose of new coolant.

Train operators on best practices for coolant management

Proper training of operators on best practices for coolant management is a critical aspect of sustainable machining. Operators who are knowledgeable about coolant management practices can help ensure that coolant is used effectively, maintained properly, and disposed of responsibly, reducing environmental impact and minimizing operating costs.

Proper training should also emphasize the importance of following established coolant management procedures and using equipment and tools correctly. This includes ensuring that coolant is properly mixed, applied, and disposed of, and that equipment is maintained and cleaned as needed.

Choose and monitor appropriate equipment for coolant management

Choosing the appropriate equipment for coolant management and monitoring its condition and effectiveness are important aspects of sustainable machining. It can help ensure that coolant is used effectively, maintained properly, and disposed of responsibly, in order to reduce environmental impact and minimize operating costs.

When selecting coolant management equipment, consider the following factors.

1. Size and capacity of the machine shop
2. Specific machining processes used
3. Desired level of automation.

Once equipment is in place, regular monitoring of equipment and coolant quality is essential to ensure that coolant is being used effectively and that equipment is functioning properly. It allows you to identify potential issues early, allowing for prompt corrective action and minimizing the risk of damage to equipment or the environment.

Conclusion

Sustainable coolant management practices in CNC machine shops can offer several benefits, including reduced environmental impact through waste reduction and proper disposal, improved performance and efficiency of machining processes, lower operating costs through reduced waste and recycling, and longer lifespan of equipment and coolant.

By implementing proper coolant management practices, machine shops can reduce waste and improve efficiency, resulting in cost savings and a smaller environmental footprint. Additionally, proper coolant management can help extend the lifespan of equipment and coolant, further reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

This is the first of 3 posts on our sustainability series. Follow us to our next post to find out more about quality customized cutting tools in sustainable manufacturing.