Dry Machining System

Due to the increasing burden of costs related to the protection of the environment, as well as recently introduced regulations, the last few years haves seen the manufacturing industry increasingly employing machines with lubrication systems that optimise the performance and reduce the use of lubricants.
 
In this context, the concept of dry machining refers to the use of a lubrication system that uses compressed air instead of a traditional coolant or oil cooling system.

The jet of air fired through an appropriate spindle, or nozzle, creates a fine atomised layer of air-oil mixture that, on reaching the cutting surface, enables efficient lubrication of the machining process.

The air-oil mixture can reach the machined material through a small nozzle. In this case, the lubrication is said to be “external”.

The air and oil are mixed and atomised in the nozzle, where the mixture is then sprayed directly at the point where it is needed.

This reduces the amount of lubricant required, reducing costs and impact on the environment.

The alternative lubrication method is the internal model, which is even more efficient and works directly on the point of contact between the cutting tool and the material.

The air-oil mixture passes through the spindle and tool, before arriving directly on the area to be lubricated.

Let us have a look at the Minimal Lubrication (MQL) System:
 

The advantages of near dry machining are many: The first is the drastic work cycle times reduction in some cases, as much as 80% . To this we can add the increased tool life, providing additional savings.
 
The finish and quality of the is also improved. Dry machining has no need for coolants, leading to a working environment that is cleaner and more comfortable; contamination of the machined material is also reduced, and there is a huge decrease in the consumption of water and oil.
 
Another feature of this type of machining is the self-regulation of the lubricant used, based on machine type.
 
Dropsa’s dry machining can be applied to many types of machine and materials.
 
It can also be used alongside traditional cutting and drilling machines, making it a versatile and highly economical system.