Keywords
Citation
(1999), "Effective coolant management produces the results for British Aerospace", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 51 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.1999.01851fab.003
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1999, MCB UP Limited
Effective coolant management produces the results for British Aerospace
Effective coolant management produces the results for British Aerospace
Keywords: Coolants, British Aerospace
A Master Chemical turn-key coolant management system servicing the machining cells in the British Aerospace Airbus manufacturing operations in Filton is producing significant benefits in terms of reduced costs and greatly improved coolant performance.
Prior to opting for the Master Chemical solution, different machining cells at Filton had individual responsibility for not only who supplied cutting and grinding fluids but also for replenishment and monitoring. This individual cell responsibility resulted in three different suppliers, unacceptable cost controls and infrequent product management.
Having undertaken a full assessment, Master Chemical successfully tendered to supply and install a full coolant management contract providing a complete distribution, filtration and recycling system supported by a total replenishment and management system.
"As far as British Aerospace is concerned. Master Chemical now has responsibility for all aspects of coolant supply and maintenance", explains Cell Manager John Myers. "Our previous arrangements were ad hoc and very labour intensive. In addition, coolant performance was often poor and we suffered from component corrosion and contamination in the fluid -those problems are now overcome and there is a cost benefit as well".
The installation at Filton covers over 100 machine tools, many being four and five axis machining centres including a new high speed machining cell. Materials used in the manufacture of predominantly aircraft wing components are aluminium and titanium.
Master Chemical recommended coolants that satisfy all of the machining requirements in the operation while overcoming the corrosion problems experienced when billets reacted with the steel beds on the machine tools.
For more information contact: Master Chemical Europe Ltd; Tel: 01 449 721985.