Hi Group,

The specs. on a Mini-Mill call out 4 CFM @ 100 PSI. Is that constantly when the machine is on, or just when the spindle is on, or? Also, where is that air used?

Thanks,
Pat

The 4 scfm quoted in the Mini Mill specs is probably a worst case situation. Small amounts of compressed air are used for lubrication pumps and spindle purge. The largest consumer is the tool release piston on the spindle. You would have to be doing very frequent tool changes to use 4 scfm, actually on a Mini Mill it may be impossible to use that much. You could probably get by with only 2 scfm but do not try to get by with dirty or wet air; use filters and driers to save yourself grief with clogged valves down the road

The spec it 4CFM at 100psi but your machine should be regulated between 85-90psi. The 4CFM is a worst case situation so that you have more than enough air supply. If the machine drops below 65psi and emergency stop condition occurs and a low air supply alarm is displayed. You don't want that to happen midway through a program!

Thanks Geof and Jwarren for the info.

Pat