At-The-Machine Chip Separation/Coolant Recovery

The ConSep 2000 II combination chip removal/coolant filtration unit is the second generation of single-platform chip conveyor/coolant separator that removes chips and contaminates to 50 micron levels and lower in certain applications, yet is designed to replace standard chip conveyors in approximately the same size and footprint requirements. According to the company, the unit has been given a new, lower profile to fit with a wider range of machine tools, including machining centers, multi-spindle lathes and, in particular, high-performance integrated lathes. The unit has been made truly global with a control unit that easily interfaces with international machine tool controls. Its construction is said to meet specifications and requirements of machine tool builders and users worldwide. The new unit is useful for all types and sizes of chips, including long strings and expansive nests. The number of parts in this new design has been reduced, including a simplified single conveyor system that has an internal chip handling (auger) system that also handles fines and sediment. In addition, an enhanced automatic backwash automatically cycles to the new and improved indexing filter drum's poly fiber media, a combination that makes the unit virtually maintenance free, according to the company. The pressurized wash system means less downtime for manual cleaning, improving the uptime performance of the coolant system. The process can be viewed through a clear access panel for visual inspection and verification of the cleaning action. The filtered coolant is held in a clean coolant holding tank for return to the machine tool. The company says that the removal of fines from the fluid results in a less abrasive, gritty coolant flowing back into the machining process, which helps reduce wear on machine components, and on tools maintenance is minimized while part tolerances are more easily held. The unit can also be equipped with a pumpback station for directing coolant to independent filtering stations if required. Also available are pre-loading feed shredders for reducing chip and string sizes for easier and safer handling. Various high pressure packages are also available with up to 8 gallons per minute flow rates and pressures to 1,000 psi. High pressure systems include electrical controls and may be linked directly to the machine tool's CNC for program-imbedded operational instructions.