In order to precisely grind microtools with extremely small diameters, an optimally coordinated overall cutting system is required. One quality-determining piece in the mosaic is micro-filtration of the coolant. This is because the smallest impurities in the grinding oil or temperature fluctuations in the medium have a negative effect on the quality of the grinding result. The filter manufacturer Vomat from Treuen offers the necessary filter technology to meet the specific performance requirements in micro tool production: Vomat filters deliver highly filtered grinding oil in purity class NAS 7 (3-5 µm) over a long application period. In addition, they ensure precise control of the coolant temperature.
The continuing trend towards miniaturization of devices and components in various industries requires the use of extremely small and high-precision tools in production. For example, in order to grind drills, milling cutters and gauges etc. with their wafer-thin shanks and filigree geometries reliably in large-scale production, the production conditions and technologies in conjunction with comprehensive quality assurance play a decisive role. State-of-the-art grinding, measuring and edge preparation technologies, ideally in temperature-constant production halls, complement each other perfectly and result in mini tools that meet the extreme requirements of the industry in terms of surface quality and concentricity.
“An important factor in this sensitive production environment is ultra-fine filtration of the cooling lubricants,” as Steffen Strobel, sales manager at Vomat, points out. “When grinding microtools, contaminated or insufficiently filtered cooling lubricants can have a sensitive effect on the grinding result. Even minimal temperature fluctuations in the cooling lubricant pose a major threat to the final quality, as they can have a negative effect on the expansion behavior of machine components and tool substrates. Vomat’s filter technology is designed to eliminate precisely such disturbing factors and ensure optimum filtration.
Trend-setting filter technology
Vomat filters separate 100 percent dirty and clean oil in full flow. This means that the tool manufacturer can always work with clean cooling lubricants. In addition, Vomat systems carry out backflushing as required. The degree of contamination of each individual filter element is monitored, and if a defined value is exceeded, the backflushing process is automatically initiated.
Meanwhile, the other filter elements ensure a continuous supply of clean oil in cleanliness class NAS-7 (3-5 µm). This advanced capacity control of the filter system helps to optimize energy consumption and thus lower operating costs for the grinding process. Precise temperature monitoring of the grinding oil with a control accuracy of +/- 0.2 K ensures constant optimum temperatures of the coolant media. Steffen Strobel: “If the tool manufacturer relies on the latest grinding technology for grinding microtools, he cannot do without forward-looking fine filtration. Only in this way can he produce the high qualities that the industry requires.”
