Need Help!- chips in coolant sump

[gromit68]

I did a quick search and didn't find a post on this...

On our VF-1, vintage 1995, we're running a production job milling 6061 t6 aluminum flats.

I am getting masses of chips in the coolant sump. We put a tray in the sump lined with fine screen, and it catches probably 80%.

So many chips get to this point, I have to clean the tray every 4 hours.

Is this common?

I looked at the chip tray on ebay with the filter, but that thing looks like it would need cleaned every hour.

This vf-1 is the first enclosed vertical mill we've ever run, so I am learning gobs about these little details =)


Comments?

[automizer]

We have a VF1 at work that just hoggs chips all day and the coolant sump fills. We added a sheet of scotch bright to the gate filter and wash it out. Otherwise just leave it and do a good clean when you need to. As well you may want to add a filter after your pump to keep chips out of your coolant lines, if that gets packed its a hell of a job to clean out.

[ImanCarrot]

Scotch brite.. that's a good idea. I use similar- the filter stuff you get in clean air cabinets, it's about 4 inch thick and stops all the chips which being big enough to let the coolant through.

As an added bonus, it "sucks up" all the tramp oil that floats on the coolant sump by capillary action.

[djr76]

Inline T-Strainers with stainless mesh screens work great to keep chips out of the lines.


McMaster-Carr
9875K413
Nylon T-Strainer Clear Bowl, 1/2" NPT Female, 20 X 20 Mesh Screen

catalog page 345