Future of manufacturing: Industry Trends & Analysis

Initially, I wasn’t sure why the institute’s name began with Digital, but was informed that the work on the factory floor involves collecting and processing as much machining data as possible to connect all elements of the manufacturing chain so they seamlessly communicate with each other. For instance, DMDII stated that it is developing open-source software, called the Digital Manufacturing Commons, which will be an open-architecture communication platform and enable plug-and-play functionality across the entire “digital thread.” DMC sounds like something that could positively transform a manufacturing organization.

The post-lunch presentation, titled “Metalworking Fluids Wakeup Call – Replacing Traditional Chlorinated Paraffins,” refocused my attention on consuming information rather than nutrients. Given by Ron “Andy” Anderson, Brookfield, Wis.-based product manager for fluids and filtration at DXP Enterprises Inc./Machinery Tooling & Supply, the presentation covered how the Environmental Protection Agency plans to eliminate the chlorinated paraffins that are effective as an EP additive by May 31, 2016.

There are short-, medium-, long- and very long-chain CPs, but short-chain ones are considered highly toxic and not used for EP additives, and the medium ones are generally not used. Those with the longest chains would not be banned, but they have a higher viscosity than the others and, therefore, make it difficult for them to stay in suspension, Anderson noted.

He added that other EP additives are available, but are not suitable for all applications, such as some demanding ones required to make aerospace and defense parts. With no direct drop-in replacement for long-chain CPs, metalworking fluids with CPs will need to be reformulated. While banning CPs is debatable, I’m confident the chemists at coolant manufacturers will develop effective alternative emulsions; they’ll probably just cost more.