When Does a Filtering Chip Conveyor for CNC Lathes ...

Filtering chip conveyors, such as those used in the production of parts like these at Flotec in Indianapolis, can evacuate virtually all chip materials, sizes and shapes, while removing particles as small as 50 microns. Photo credits: LNS America

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Shops vetting potential new CNC milling machines or lathes to purchase commonly consider: how well they will fit into their current processes; if they have the capacity and versatility to change and grow with the business; how dependable and robust they are; and the availability of replacement parts, technical services and customer support.

LNS America says these same considerations should apply when selecting peripheral machining equipment such as chip conveyors as these devices can either optimize a machining process or become a weak link. The difference can come down to how well the conveyor matches current machining applications and if it can adapt to different requirements that might be encountered in the future.

Chip conveyors are available in a variety of designs and price points. In terms of the latter, filtering chip conveyors do represent a higher initial investment, but their return on investment might make them worthy of consideration to satisfy current needs and better enable machining equipment to more effectively accommodate new jobs and workpiece materials down the line, as the company explains here.

Chip Conveyor Choices

Hinge-belt chip conveyors are the most popular models and are often included with new CNC machine purchases. They are affordable and reliable when properly matched to specific machining applications, such as collecting a mix of coarse and stringy materials. However, they are not the best choice for operations that produce fine chips of aluminum, brass, cast iron or other materials as these smaller particles can contaminate the coolant and clog the conveyor, fluid lines and pumps.

Magnetic chip conveyors are appropriate for ferrous-only machining processes that produce broken chips. However, if the process creates stringy material longer than the conveyor magnet spacing, the long strings can cause a short in the magnets. In addition, using a magnetic conveyor when machining ferrous materials that create fines is not recommended, because of the same coolant delivery system issues mentioned above.

When inefficient chip management caused production interruptions, Flotec looked to LNS America to help solve the problem.

Conversely, filtering chip conveyors can evacuate virtually all chip materials, sizes and shapes, while removing particles as small as 50 microns that would otherwise damage pumps and reduce coolant life. Plus, they can be effective as shops push machine speeds and feeds to improve productivity and reduce cost-per-part. Doing so produces higher temperatures in the cutting zone which, in turn, requires greater coolant flow to reduce the heat. In some cases, this increased coolant volume overwhelms a conventional chip conveyor&#;s ability to efficiently remove chips and prevents contaminated coolant from recirculating. The result can be production slowdowns or stoppages and possible damage to the coolant pumping system. Recirculating chips can also reduce cutting tool life and mar machined workpiece surface finish. These attributes can prevent shops from implementing reliable lights-out production or limit unattended machining time, too.

Filtering chip conveyors can evacuate virtually all chip materials, sizes and shapes, while removing particles as small as 50 microns.

In addition, modern machine tools can process a wide variety of operations and materials that might range from aluminum and basic steel to exotic alloys. When new job orders come in that require changing a production process, the ability of a machine to adapt might be hampered by a chip conveyor that can&#;t handle the new workload. In these situations, it might be necessary to replace the existing conveyor with a more efficient model. Therefore, the chip conveyor type that is most capable of efficiently handling the widest range of CNC machining challenges is one that successfully filters virtually all chip materials, types and shapes, from coarse and stringy to very fine, which LNS says is the filtering chip conveyor.

What to Look for in a Filtering Chip Conveyor

There are a number of filtering chip conveyor designs available. Some use replaceable filter media, while others have permanent, self-cleaning filtering drums made from stainless steel or other materials that might also employ scraper systems or perforated box filters.

A filtering chip conveyor type can efficiently handle a wide range of CNC machining challenges by filtering myriad chip materials, types and shapes.

Chip conveyors that have replaceable, self-cleaning filter boxes are said to greatly reduce maintenance and can be easily modified to accommodate different machining applications. For example, the LNS MH Series of filtering chip conveyors has interchangeable filtration boxes that eliminate chips as small as 250 microns, while the SF compact filters chips as small as 50 microns. In addition, these conveyors offer hardened tracks, especially in curves, to reduce wear; reinforced belts for longer life and reduced maintenance; a footprint no greater than non-filtering chip conveyors (compact units that use even less floor space without sacrificing performance are available); and discharge-point customization.

Replaceable, self-cleaning filter boxes are said to greatly reduce maintenance and can be easily modified to accommodate different machining applications.

In fact, upgrading to a filtering chip conveyor enabled Flotec in Indianapolis to meet increased demand in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Flotec manufactures regulators and other essential components for medical equipment used by hospitals, neonatal ICUs and EMS services. The company, which started in , provides parts for both OEMs and end users around the globe, and these products are almost all custom created. At last count, its regulator line alone boasted over 4 trillion unique items.

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As the coronavirus pandemic spread, the demand for Flotec&#;s products pushed the company to maximize its output and rely even more heavily on lights-out production for its twin-spindle, twin-turret Swiss-type lathe. As is often the case, successful overnight production required that every part of the manufacturing process be trouble-free. When inefficient chip management caused interruptions, Flotec brought in LNS to help solve the problem.

The Swiss-type machine came equipped with a standard hinge-belt type chip conveyor. However, Flotec uses this machine to machine and T651 aluminum, some 350 brass alloy and 303 stainless steel. The process creates very fine chips that passed through the chip conveyor into the recovered coolant and flowed into the coolant tank filtering system.

The machine has four high-pressure filter baskets and an additional basket that catches the fines before they get into the coolant pumps. These materials filled the filtering baskets, causing lower coolant levels. Meanwhile, chips accumulated in the coolant tank, thus displacing coolant volume. This loss of volume triggered low coolant alarms that reduced coolant flow through the high-pressure delivery system. As a result, the parts being machined and the cutting tools were insufficiently cooled, leading to shorter tool life as well as degraded part finishes.

The LNS solution was to replace the existing hinge-belt chip conveyor with the LNS Turbo MH 250 filtering chip management system. The self-cleaning filter box design enables the MH 250 to remove virtually all sizes and types of chips, including fine aluminum and brass such as those produced by Flotec&#;s milling process, while filtering coolant to 250 microns.

According to Flotec President Brian Davidson, &#;Before replacing the original chip conveyor with the LNS filtering model, we were getting about 75 units of production during the day and 40 when running lights-out overnight. We now produce 75 units per 9-hour day and 125 units from 5:30 PM when we turn off the lights until 8:30 the next morning. As a result, we&#;ve more than doubled the output of this CNC machine from approximately 2,875 production units per month to 6,000 units per month simply by replacing the original chip conveyor with the LNS MH 250 filtering chip conveyer.&#;

He says there also is less maintenance. &#;We now clean out the coolant tank only once per month. Before switching to the filtering chip conveyor, we were cleaning out the machine&#;s two filter baskets three to four times per day. Now we only clean them twice weekly. Likewise, we&#;ve reduced the high-pressure filter basket cleanout from daily to once per week.&#;

Flotec also found that without the fines displacing and degrading coolant, the high-pressure system is able to perform properly, which protects critical part finishes, reduces tool wear and extends coolant life.

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL, February 27, - 

In the machining industry, precision and efficiency are key. Chip conveyors play an essential role in this environment, quietly ensuring machine tools stay clean and operational. Choosing the right size of chip conveyor is more than a minor detail; it's a critical decision for machine tool operation. 

Understanding Chip Volume

The volume of chips produced during machining operations can vary widely, depending on the type of operation and the material being processed. High-volume operations, such as large-scale milling or turning, generate a lot of chips that need to be efficiently removed to prevent machine downtime or damage.

Proper sizing of a chip conveyor for your application is crucial. A conveyor that's too small can quickly become overwhelmed, leading to clogs and stoppages. Alternatively, an oversized conveyor may be an unnecessary cost and take up valuable floor space. The goal is to match the conveyor's capacity with your machine tool's chip output, ensuring a smooth and continuous removal process.

Material Properties Matter

The type of material being machined plays a significant role in selecting the right chip conveyor. Hard, abrasive materials like titanium and Inconel produce chips that can be challenging to manage. These materials require conveyors designed to withstand the abrasive nature of chips without excessive wear. Additionally, the shape of the chips can influence conveyor selection. For example, long, stringy chips from turning operations pose a different challenge than the fine chips produced by milling. Understanding the characteristics of the materials you work with will guide you in choosing a conveyor system that can handle the specific challenges they present.

Application: Machining Type Matters

The machining application&#;whether turning, milling, drilling, or boring&#;also influences the most appropriate chip conveyor choice. Each process generates chips in different shapes, sizes, and volumes, necessitating a tailored approach to chip management. For instance,

• Turning operations often produce long, stringy chips that can wrap around components and cause jams. Conveyors with specific features to handle these types of chips, such as those with a high torque motor or specialized chip breakers, are ideal.
• Milling and drilling operations typically generate smaller, more granular chips that can be easier to convey. However, they may require finer filtration to prevent small particles from recirculating.
• Boring operations, depending on depth and diameter, can produce a mix of chip types. This necessitates a versatile conveyor system capable of handling both fine and coarse debris.

The Right Conveyor for the Job

Selecting the right chip conveyor involves more than just matching specifications; it's about understanding the unique needs of your machining operations. Here are some tips to ensure you make the right choice:

• Assess Your Needs: Consider the volume of chips produced, the types of materials you're machining, and the specific applications involved. This assessment will help narrow down the type of conveyor system best suited to your operations.
• Consult with Experts: Manufacturers like Shibaura Machine have extensive experience in matching chip conveyors to specific machining environments. Leverage their expertise to ensure you get a system that fits your needs.
• Consider Future Needs: While it's critical to address current requirements, think about future applications as well. Choosing a versatile conveyor system can save you from upgrading sooner than expected.

Maximize Your Machining Performance

Proper sizing and selection of chip conveyors are essential to machine tool efficiency and longevity. By considering the volume of chips produced, the material properties, and the specific machining applications, you can ensure that your conveyor system enhances your operations.

Shibaura Machine's Machine Tool team is dedicated to providing solutions that meet these needs, ensuring your machining processes run smoothly and efficiently. Remember, the right chip conveyor is not just an accessory; it's an integral part of your machining ecosystem.