Lubrication System for CNC Machinery
Description
Oil-Rite Corporation has designed a compact and efficient lubrication system specifically suited to CNC machinery. Utilizing only essential components, the system is economical, simple to operate, and highly reliable. There is a continuous bath of lubricant on the cutting surfaces during CNC operations. Less visible – but as important – is the lubricant applied behind the scenes on moving parts that are part of the internal machinery. Most CNC machines come equipped with a lubrication system of some sort for these internal mechanisms. Users sometimes report problems with lines clogging, entrapped air, faulty pressure switches, maintaining reservoir pressure, and making basic adjustments.
Discussions with industry experts led to the idea that more could be done to improve lubrication for new machinery as well as upgrade lubrication for CNCs that are already in service. Oil-Rite Corporation addressed the challenge with a design that is both pragmatic and affordable.
The core component of the lubrication system is PurgeX®, the patented dispensing technology of Oil-Rite Corporation. Contained within the 4” aluminum PurgeX® body are the mechanics necessary for precise, repeatable lubrication cycles. The pump uses a burst of compressed air to move a stainless steel piston. That movement clears the internal chamber of its contents while achieving a 9:1 ratio of force. Basic shop air supplied at 40 – 120 psi transfers to a force of 360 – 1080 psi at the outlet.
The piston during its downward motion occupies the space that contained the fluid, thus achieving positive displacement. This is the basis for the precision inherent to PurgeX®. An adjustment screw controls the length of the piston stroke and determines the volume of fluid dispensed with each cycle.
There are considerable benefits to this technology:
• There is no need to maintain a high level of pressure at a central reservoir, since the mechanics of the PurgeX® pump convert low air pressure into much higher outlet pressure.
• The system is not susceptible to plugging. Fluid, air, and impurities are purged with each piston stroke, essentially eliminating the possibility of contaminant build-up and air lock.
• Since PurgeX® generates additional pressure during cycling, high-pressure supply lines are not necessary. Flexible polyurathane tubing may be used to simplify installation and contain costs.
The components of the lubrication system in addition to PurgeX® are:
• 3-way air solenoid
• Polypropylene ½ gallon reservoir with low level switch
• Aluminum mounting bracket
Discussions with industry experts led to the idea that more could be done to improve lubrication for new machinery as well as upgrade lubrication for CNCs that are already in service. Oil-Rite Corporation addressed the challenge with a design that is both pragmatic and affordable.
The core component of the lubrication system is PurgeX®, the patented dispensing technology of Oil-Rite Corporation. Contained within the 4” aluminum PurgeX® body are the mechanics necessary for precise, repeatable lubrication cycles. The pump uses a burst of compressed air to move a stainless steel piston. That movement clears the internal chamber of its contents while achieving a 9:1 ratio of force. Basic shop air supplied at 40 – 120 psi transfers to a force of 360 – 1080 psi at the outlet.
The piston during its downward motion occupies the space that contained the fluid, thus achieving positive displacement. This is the basis for the precision inherent to PurgeX®. An adjustment screw controls the length of the piston stroke and determines the volume of fluid dispensed with each cycle.
There are considerable benefits to this technology:
• There is no need to maintain a high level of pressure at a central reservoir, since the mechanics of the PurgeX® pump convert low air pressure into much higher outlet pressure.
• The system is not susceptible to plugging. Fluid, air, and impurities are purged with each piston stroke, essentially eliminating the possibility of contaminant build-up and air lock.
• Since PurgeX® generates additional pressure during cycling, high-pressure supply lines are not necessary. Flexible polyurathane tubing may be used to simplify installation and contain costs.
The components of the lubrication system in addition to PurgeX® are:
• 3-way air solenoid
• Polypropylene ½ gallon reservoir with low level switch
• Aluminum mounting bracket