The blades and frame of energy-saving industrial fans are made of aluminum alloy and undergo cutting and shaping processes. In the machining and cutting process, cutting fluid is required. Cutting fluid is a mixed lubricant used for lubricating and cooling cutting tools and workpieces in the manufacturing process of industrial fans. It also serves the purpose of cleaning and rust prevention and is commonly referred to as metalworking fluid or oil.
Now let's understand the roles of cutting fluid in the manufacturing of industrial fans:
Cooling: It reduces the cutting temperature, improves tool durability, and minimizes workpiece thermal deformation, ensuring the quality of the machining process. In general, it can lower the cutting temperature by 50-150°C.
Lubrication: It reduces friction between chips and the tool's rake face, as well as between the workpiece and the tool's flank face, thus reducing cutting forces, cutting heat, and the formation of built-up edge and scales.
Cleaning: It washes away the chips and particles adhered to the workpiece, tool, and machine tool under the action of cutting fluid at a certain pressure.
Rust prevention: It prevents corrosion of the machine tool, workpiece, and tool from surrounding media such as moisture, air, and sweat.
Of course, the selection of cutting fluid also requires careful consideration, as choosing an inappropriate one can have negative effects. When selecting cutting fluid for industrial fan components, we should choose a cutting fluid that meets the requirements of rust prevention between workpiece processes. The cutting fluid should not corrode the workpiece and should have a neutral pH value. Based on the specific processing conditions of our own factory, we can initially select two to three types of cutting fluids with good comprehensive performance. After trials, we can determine a cutting fluid that meets our factory's processing requirements in terms of performance and price.
Once we have selected the appropriate cutting fluid, we also need to maintain it and pay attention to the following maintenance issues:
When replacing the cutting fluid in the machine tool, the original cutting fluid must be thoroughly drained and the machine tool cleaned. Otherwise, the deteriorated residual cutting fluid may cause rapid deterioration of the newly replaced cutting fluid.
When adding cutting fluid during the production process of industrial fans, it is essential to follow the instructions regarding the proper ratio. Avoid adding only water without cutting fluid, as this can lead to product rusting. In order to maximize the effectiveness of the cutting fluid and reduce the production of sediments, clean tap water should be used for preparation, avoiding water with a hardness exceeding 300ppm. Adding 0.1-0.3% sodium tripolyphosphate or tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate to the water is acceptable, but excessive amounts can lead to increased bacterial growth.
After adding the cutting fluid concentrate mixed with water to the machine tool, it should not be left idle for long periods. When the machine tool is not in use, it is best to circulate the cutting fluid for thirty minutes each day by operating the pump.
There should be dedicated personnel on-site to manage and maintain the cutting fluid. Regular inspections should be conducted, including concentration (refractometer reading), pH value (8.5 to 9.2), appearance (color change, emulsion break), odor, floating oil, foam, etc. If the main properties fail to meet the usage requirements, the cutting fluid must be replaced.
Keep it clean to prevent foreign objects and dust from entering.
Remove floating oil and chips in a timely manner.
Although cutting fluid is an inconspicuous consumable material in the manufacturing of energy-saving industrial fans, whether it is used properly and well-maintained has an impact on the smooth operation of the machine tool and the quality of the cutting surface. As an industrial fan manufacturer, it is crucial to pay close attention to every detail in the production process and provide customers with high-quality products.