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Microlube logoMicrolube metalworking lubrication benefits

Microlube metalworking lubrication from AML is suitable for milling, drilling, tapping and sawing.

The Microlube system from Advanced Micro Lubrication, provides all the advantages of ‘bone dry’ cutting with none of the disadvantages of flood coolant and is particularly suited to a number of aerospace machining operations.

Replacing traditional flood coolant systems, Microlube features an ‘applicator’ unit and pneumatic control to deliver very small amounts of a vegetable-based oil that has no EP additives or chlorine. The lubricant is pumped through a small capillary tube around which an outer tube blows compressed air to effectively ‘splat’ it onto the cutting tool – unlike a spray mist system which atomises much smaller particles of fluid.

microlube unitsThe system can be configured to suit a customer’s requirement.

“Varying the length of the stroke of the pump will control the volume of liquid, while a small frequency generator controls the timing of each pulse,” explains ACT’s Applications Engineer, Karl London.

“A standard consumption for a milling operation is approximately 5ml (or one teaspoon full) per nozzle per hour. Only two teaspoonfuls of liquid are used each hour of cutting time.”

With cutting friction being removed at source and little heat generated, the results are longer tool life and better surface finish, in addition to the health and safety and cost benefits. Of particular interest in high metal removal aerospace applications are the ensuing dry swarf, which is easier to manage, and the compressed air’s ability to effectively evacuate chips.

“This has been of particular use in the machining of wing ribs where 80% of the material will be turned into swarf,” says Mr Wieland.

“BAE Systems adopted the Microlube system after experiencing chips trapped in the pockets of wing ribs during machining. The company rolled it out to other sites and applications having first used it at its ship and submarine pipe shops where the guttering effect of using flood coolant during the sawing of pipes had meant a horrendously messy operation.”

The Microlube system is ideal for any application with a multipoint tool, including milling, drilling, tapping and sawing, but not turning as the tool has to come ‘out of cut’ to be lubricated at the cutting edge before going back into cut.

Advanced Microlubrication Ltd are part of the ACT Group.