I need to add a coolant system for an aluminum cutting CNC machine. Are there any reliable reasonably priced options?
What hardware would I need to buy to set it up?
I need to add a coolant system for an aluminum cutting CNC machine. Are there any reliable reasonably priced options?
What hardware would I need to buy to set it up?
A mist system is easy to make.
Here is a simple one https://www.hobby-machinist.com/thre...l-lathe.64992/
And another http://www.hobby-machinist.com/threa...-mister.19957/
Or you could build one like mine http://www.hobby-machinist.com/threa...5/#post-347743 This one does not require a pump to work, the pressure tank can be pressurized to about 30 psi and it woorks fine manually.
Jim Dawson
Sandy, Oregon, USA
It looks like you need a small vacuum pump, a small compressor and a couple of those $12 spray mist coolant nozzle devices off ebay. For the pressures described in the threads, it sounds like even a small air brush compressor would be sufficient for the air.
I already own most of this hardware. I just need the nozzle and some air-tight tubes that are long enough to reach the end of my X-axis. My airbrush lines are too short.
I was kinda hoping that I wouldn't need to run compressors and pumps the whole time the machine was running but I guess I have to if there is no other way (that doesn't require me to stand there spraying for 12 hours).
Just a small compressor would work fine. No pump needed. Jake is using a small vacuum pump as a compressor, but your air brush compressor should work. The other option is to make a flood coolant system using a small submersible pump, but that is really messy without a full enclosure and you have to return the coolant to the tank someway. I apply coolant at about 1/2 cup/hr with my spray mist system so no mess.
Jim Dawson
Sandy, Oregon, USA
Do you have a view on buying a complete standalone system like this one?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ACCURA-....c100005.m1851
It seems to come with everything you need so you plug in and go.
Thinking more about it, my airbrush compressor is probably not rated for continuous use but my 3/4hp Thomas vacuum pump is and that has a 50psi air out / air compressor line. It's probably more suitable although it's a little too much power for this purpose.
Do I need to be worried about if my spindle is sufficiently water-proof for the type of coolant system? I have a PDS Ades90 which is an electric spindle. Do CNC spindles get damaged if coolant liquid gets splashed up?
Does the coolant get reused in a spray mist system?
If you want a flood coolant system this one would work, but it's going to be messy. Not really suitable for a system without a full enclosure. Routers are not really set up well for flood coolant.
Your vacuum pump would be perfect for a spray mist system.
I have a customer with a similar spindle using a spray mist system and and he has had no problems that I know of. The rotation of the spindle pretty much keeps the coolant out of the works. In his case, the coolant is controlled by the G-code (M7, M9). Turns the coolant on only when cutting. But a light spray aimed at the tool bit pretty much keeps the coolant away from the bearings. The bearings are sealed in any case.
No, the coolant is not reused. But if adjusted correctly, very little coolant is actually used. As I said above, I normally use about 1/2 cup / hr, just enough to keep the tool a bit wet.
Jim Dawson
Sandy, Oregon, USA
A bucket and a tube?
In the words of the Toolman--If you didn't make it yourself, it's not really yours!
Remember- done beats perfect every time!!
That's good to know (about how little is used) because it seems to cost a lot for what it is. I'm sure there must be a more economical way to get it than ordering a gallon off eBay though.
I had assumed that flood coolant was out of the question with an electric spindle. I will actually have a full enclosure but it's to reduce the noise more than to catch coolant.
I guess spray mist is the way to go.
I've seen lots of machines with both flood coolant and an electric spindle. As long as it's not spraying directly onto the electrical connections, and everything is properly grounded, it shouldn't be a problem. Mist provides some cooling and lubrication, but not as much as flood. And flood cooling will blast chips out of the cut, which will save you from having to periodically open your enclosure to brush chips away, breathing mist as you do it. Just make sure the enclosure is impervious to the coolant and has a bottom capable of capturing and recycling it.
You really only need to worry about coolant around the wiring, or the top of the spindle where the cooling fan pulls air in.
Gerry
UCCNC 2017 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html
Mach3 2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html
JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html
(Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)
That's a good tip about catching and recycling it. I already made a coolant tray which goes under my moving table so that will catch any liquid that runs off the edge of the table. It shouldn't be too hard to add a valve with a line running to one of my vacuum pumps.
Given how hot aluminum gets when I cut it, I had assumed that most of the liquid from a thin mist would evaporate on contact. I definately like the idea of being able to reuse at least some of it. I read that people use a water filter to remove chips from flood coolant. I could do the same with my mist coolant system.
How ow do I prevent coolant getting in the cooling fan vent? If I block the holes on the top of the spindle then won't it prevent it cooling properly?
It seems inevitable that, when you have a high speed tool touching liquid, that eventually some will get thrown up and fall into the fan / electronics.
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How ow do I prevent coolant getting in the cooling fan vent? If I block the holes on the top of the spindle then won't it prevent it cooling properly?
It seems inevitable that, when you have a high speed tool touching liquid, that eventually some will get thrown up and fall into the fan / electronics.