SmartJet™ – Air Quality

November 12, 2023
NL_smartjet_front.jpg

Maintaining proper air quality is important in metal cutting applications that use SmartJet™ air pressure in combination with the coolant. Here are some considerations for air filtration and drying:

Filtration: Air filtration is crucial to remove any contaminants or particles from the air before it is merged with the coolant. A high-quality air filter can remove dust, oil, and other particles that can contaminate the coolant, leading to poor quality cuts and potentially damaging the cutting tools. A HEPA filter (High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter) can effectively remove particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Drying: SmartJet™ requires dry air to prevent contamination and maintain consistent performance. Moisture in the air can cause corrosion, rust, and bacterial growth in the emulsions, which can lead to reduced cutting performance and tool damage. A refrigerated air dryer can remove moisture from the air by cooling it below its dew point, while a desiccant air dryer can use a material like silica gel to absorb moisture from the air.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance of air filtration and drying systems is important to ensure they are functioning properly and providing clean, dry air to the coolant. This can include replacing air filters, monitoring humidity levels, and checking for leaks or damage in the air lines.

Air pressure: The air pressure used in SmartJet™ can affect air quality. High pressure can cause compressed air to heat up, which can increase moisture levels in the air. Additionally, high pressure can cause air to move faster, potentially picking up more contaminants. It’s important to ensure that the air pressure used is appropriate for the application and that pressure regulators are used to maintain consistent pressure levels.

Emulsion type: Different types of emulsions may have different requirements for air quality. For example, oil-based emulsions may require more rigorous filtration to remove oil particles from the air, while water-based emulsions may be more sensitive to moisture levels in the air.

Air quality standards: Depending on the application and industry, there may be specific air quality standards that must be met. For example, in metalworking of parts for food and beverage industry or the medical industry, compressed air must meet certain purity standards to ensure that it does not contaminate products.

Monitoring: Regular monitoring of air quality is important to ensure that the air filtration and drying systems are working properly and that air quality standards are being met. This can include measuring humidity levels, particle counts, and other metrics.

Maintaining proper air quality is critical for achieving optimal performance in metal cutting. By ensuring proper air filtration and drying, metal cutting applications using SmartJet™ can achieve better cutting performance, longer tool life, and reduced downtime and maintenance costs. By considering factors such as air filtration, drying, pressure, and emulsion type, and regularly monitoring air quality, operators can ensure that their equipment is operating at its best and producing high-quality cuts.