Preventative Maintenance on Your Coolant Pump
Component failures on your machine tools are not always easily diagnosed with one obvious failure. Sometimes, different parts of the machine can cause premature breakdowns. One such example of a small failure, contributing to a larger failure, would be an underperforming or failed coolant pump.
Coolant pumps in machine tools circulate lubricant to the cutting tools for the reduction of thermo-expansion of the part, while the cutting tool is working. A steady stream of coolant also lubricates and prolongs the lifespan of the cutting tool, keeping high tolerances and cleaner cuts in your workpiece. Prolonged use of dull or damaged cutting tools may further damage your spindle, while potentially taking the spindle out of alignment. This may require realignment or repair to fix damages that can become costly.
Often overlooked, users do not think of the energy costs that may arise from an underperforming coolant pump. Coolant pumps can consume up to 20% of the overall machine’s entire energy usage. Underperforming pumps can increase energy usage higher, rising energy costs for your machine shop or industrial plant. Regular monthly coolant pump preventative maintenance is highly suggested.
Performing a comprehensive test of your coolant system only takes a short while, which can prevent many future hours of downtime. IMPORTANT: Coolant can contain many chemicals that can damage your eyes and skin, so be sure to take all protective measures including, but not limited to, eye protection and protective gloves. There are many different types of coolant, so be sure to check your MSDS sheets for appropriate safety equipment.
1. Make sure the machine is powered off and is locked out.
2. Drain the tank from all coolant.
3. Remove all the chips and sediment that has accumulated in the tank.
4. Inspect the coolant pumps motor and impellers for foreign objects. Removal of the pump may be required for a thorough inspection.
5. Use a specification recommended soluble cleaning solution to washout the impellers and motor from foreign objects.
6. Reinstall the coolant pump back to the coolant tank, if it had to be removed.
7. Add new, clean coolant to the tank (based on recommended type and amount).
8. Turn the machine back on and confirm that the coolant is circulation correctly by performing a test run.
If you cannot regularly complete preventative maintenance on your coolant pump or machine tool, All World can help! Our team of field service technicians are on-call and are ready to assist you in a moment’s notice. Please call 1 (815) 943-9111 and ask for our Field Service Department, visit our website, or make a service inquiry for more information.
