MQL (Minimum Quantity Lubrication) "Green Machining" Improves Part Quality, Cuts Piece Processing Cost for Ford Van Dyke Transmission Plant |
MQL (Minimum Quantity Lubrication) "Green Machining" Improves Part Quality, Cuts Piece Processing Cost for Ford Van Dyke Transmission Plant
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MAG IAS, LLC
Olympic Corporate Center I 3940 Olympic Boulevard
Erlanger, KY, 41018
USA
 
Press release date: April 14, 2009
Nearly dry MQL machining slices seven figures from initial system cost for unneeded coolant tanks and high-pressure supply systems, reduces operating costs, and improves plant air quality
April 2009 - "Green machining" has a double meaning at Ford Motor Company's Van Dyke Transmission Plant in Sterling Heights. Recently installed MQL (minimum quantity lubrication) machining systems from MAG Powertrain are paying both cost and environmental dividends. The systems netted green savings of seven figures in initial cost, and the machines are producing parts at lower variable cost. Plant air quality is improved compared to conventional wet machining, too. More important, the quality level achieved with MQL is equal to, or better than, comparable wet machining operations. In 2008, Van Dyke Transmission finished first in Ford's North American Powertrain Environmental Performance Awards. In addition, the plant was awarded Quality Magazine's 2008 Quality Plant of the year Award.
Van Dyke Transmission currently uses more than 120 MAG CNC machines equipped with MQL or a hybrid system combining CNC and special machines. MQL is a nearly dry machining process that uses a through-tool oil mist, tailored to provide just the right volume for ideal lubricity at the interface of tool and work surface. The amount of lubricity is controlled for the particular machining operation and tool, such as tapping or face milling. MQL reduces metalworking fluid flow from gallons per minute (in traditional wet machining) to milliliters per hour.
The plant's most recent green-machine installation in 2008 included 52 MAG SPECHT® horizontal machining systems configured for 4- and 5-axis work to produce aluminum parts for the 6F mid-range FWD transmission. The high-speed machines complement MQL with a proprietary real-time temperature compensation system that constantly monitors the machine, the part and ambient air to ensure consistently precise work. The steeply angled interior of the machine, coupled with a Handte chip evacuation system, eliminates the need for chip-flushing coolant and the resulting cost for pumps, filter media, and chip drying. The machining envelope is kept under negative air pressure, with chips and oil mist pulled out in an airstream, then through a centrifuge and filter system. Dry chips collect in a hopper, and clean air is returned to the plant or back to the machine enclosure. A study conducted by Van Dyke Transmission showed that the filtered air from the chip evacuation system is as clean as typical office air, contributing to an improvement in overall plant air quality.
"The metalworking industry consumes several hundred million gallons of fluids each year," said Ron Quaile, vice president proposal, estimating & marketing for MAG Powertrain North America. "The investment, operation, and maintenance costs of traditional coolant systems can easily reach 15% of the life-cycle cost of a machining system. A machine that uses conventional coolants requires a more costly plant infrastructure, costs more to install, and is more difficult and costly to relocate. Coolant mist almost always fouls the plant air and equipment. There's a cascade of cost savings when you take flood coolant out of machining, and Ford Van Dyke has proven these benefits."
For additional information, visit www.mag-powertrain.com, or contact MAG Powertrain, 2555 20th Street, Port Huron, MI 48060. Phone: 586 566 2400
About MAG Industrial Automation Systems
MAG is a leading machine tool and systems company serving the durable-goods industry worldwide with complete manufacturing solutions. The company offers a comprehensive line of equipment and technologies including process development, automated assembly, turning, milling, automotive powertrain production, composites processing, maintenance, automation and controls, and core components. Key industrial markets served by these technologies include aerospace, automotive and truck, heavy equipment, oil and gas, rail, solar energy, wind turbine production and general machining.
With manufacturing and support operations strategically located worldwide, MAG ranks as a leader in the capital equipment market. A growing number of leading international companies are relying on the impressive innovation power of MAG to assure their technological leadership and prepare for future challenges.
For more information about MAG, please visit: www.mag-ias.com.
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