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HE&M SAW COST SAVING TIP
HE&M Saw would like to pass along a cost saving tip for cutting fluid
usage. With a little creativity, we have been about to reduce our own
cost by minimizing the amount of coolant wasted during production.
As everyone in the
machining industry knows, mixing coolant can be a time consuming,
messy and sometimes costly job. We wanted to find a more efficient
way to recharge our machines, without the hassle of extended down
times and added labor cost.
We are currently running 4 saws and 18 CNC machines in the
shop. Each machine is charged with HE&M Eliminator 101 synthetic
cutting fluid. By charting the dilution ratios in these machines with
the use of a refractometer, we have been able to keep a close eye on
the amount of coolant we are using. We found that inconsistencies in
dilution ratios proved to be a costly mistake when looking at the
long-term cost of production. Our 10:1 ratio is monitored daily so
that we can track any deviation in usage throughout the month. This
helps us plan for times when we know our coolant levels will be
sensitive to changes in material, humidity or hours of operation.
The following is a list of items we used.
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An empty 275 gallon tote
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Clear 8 foot hose with triggered spout
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Ball valve - shut off valve for hose
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Vented cap – to allow for faster flow of coolant
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Hydro-Master
The Hydro-Master is a tool we use to pre-mix our dilution ratio
directly into the tote. We attached the water hose and prescribed tip
for a 10:1 ratio, insert 1 hose into the tote and 1 into the drum of
coolant. We then turn on the water and start pumping. This method
has been very effective because it saves time and eliminates any
operator error involved in mixing ratios for individual machines. Any
time an operator refills a machine, the coolant will already be
diluted to its proper ratio. This will save money, time and effort of
the operator.
Once you have the tote assembled, there are two ways it can be used.
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Set the tote on a stand high enough to fill 5-gallon
pails. This allows the operator to fill 5 gallons of pre-mixed
coolant and carry it to their machine. In this instance, the hose
and triggered spout may or may not be beneficial to the operator
because the tote is in a fixed position on the stand.
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Set the tote on the ground in an area where it is
accessible to a forklift. Lift the tote from the rear, move it to
your desired location, and use the 8 foot hose to reach sump
openings that may be located toward the back of the machine. With a
squeeze of the trigger coolant will flow through the hose and into
the sump without any splashing or spillage onto the floor. After
the fill is complete, simply coil the hose and move to the next
machine. Remember, moving the 275-gallon tote of coolant on a
forklift should be done with the forks slightly tilted back to avoid
dropping the tote onto the floor.
This method of filling
our machines with coolant has had a tremendous effect on the
efficiency of production and maintenance within our shop. After
analyzing our coolant usage for the past six months, we found that the
tote kit has had a significant impact on our consumption of fluid.
After switching to the tote kit, we have cut our coolant usage in half
and are now maintaining a consistent usage rate. This was a simple
and inexpensive solution to a problem that would have costs us
thousands of dollars.
You can purchase the empty tote with the correct
fittings from HE&M Saw. Call us at (888) 729-7787 and ask for the
Parts Department. For any further information regarding the Tote kit,
Hydromaster, or HE&M Fluids
please contact Parts at (918) 825-4821.
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