All central coolant systems require cleaning from time to time. However, planning this essential maintenance task is sometimes easier said than done. For instance, if the coolant is nearing the end of its useful life at a particularly inconvenient time, such as when a big or urgent order has arrived, or when there is a staff shortage, it can leave machine shops in a quandary. However, for users of Master Chemical products and services, help is at hand.
This was the very situation facing Gamet Bearings, a member of the 600 Group of companies, which has been manufacturing high-precision tapered roller bearings for over 60 years at its Colchester factory.
Bearing users demand precision, which means that Gamet operates some of the latest grinding machines at its advanced facility, all served by a 4000 litre central coolant system. The system is filled with TRIM® metalworking fluids, formulated specifically for bearing grinding operations, which are supplied and serviced by Master Chemical Europe.
Reducing operational costs is very important in the highly competitive bearing industry. With TRIM® fluids, bearing manufacturers can expect exceptional sump life, very low carry-off, reduced make-up costs, superior tramp oil rejection for reduced residue, and improved filtration – all of which adds up to a better bottom line.
“Along with visits every four to six weeks from the district sales manager, we receive regular coolant condition reports supplied by the chemist at Master Chemical, who is readily available to discuss any issues,” says Ian Chilver, Production Manager at Gamet Bearings.
Master Chemical can provide helpful advice to customers on a range of factors, including mixing, concentration, odours, appearance and so on, helping users feel confident about their coolant applications. However, all coolant has a working life, and when the time comes for replacement, careful planning is required.
“After just over two years of continuous use, the coolant began to show signs of reaching the end of its useful life,” says Mr Chilver. “Although this is a normal outcome, it was not a good time for us to be cleaning out the central coolant system as we had year-end targets to meet and could not afford the downtime.”
Mr Chilver duly got in touch with Master Chemical to explain the predicament and see what could be done to alleviate the situation.
“The response was really good, we had a visit from Master Chemical, who performed some tests and introduced two products into the central system,” he explains. “This allowed us to continue using the existing coolant for another three months.”
In turn, this knowledgeable intervention by Master Chemical enabled Gamet Bearings to meet its year-end targets before commencing a system clean-out.
“The help and support of Master Chemical made a big difference, ultimately achieving a totally successful outcome,” concludes Mr Chilver. “In short, Master Chemical are always available to talk, which is hugely beneficial, and we will continue to work with them for the foreseeable future.”