A ‘liquid’ tool change

END USER: Backerworks Manufacturing LLC, (505) 342-2943, www.backerworks.com

SOLUTION PROVIDERS: Axis Machine Services LLC, (505) 206-2726, www.axismachineservices.com; Houghton International Inc., (800) 666-4684, www.houghtonintl.com

CHALLENGE: Reduce the amount of coolant makeup and the sticky coolant film that forms on machine surfaces.

SOLUTION: A soluble-oil metalworking fluid for multiple-metal machining and grinding.

Although a tool may perform effectively when machining parts, sometimes a newer one is available that does an even better job. Backerworks Manufacturing LLC realized that the same holds true for coolant after changing the “liquid” tool in four of its machine tools.

The Albuquerque, N.M., job shop was running HOCUT 795 B coolant from Houghton International Inc., Valley Forge, Pa., in all of its 32 machine tools. Houghton initially developed the Boeing-approved coolant 20 years ago. It is one of the company’s best-selling coolants, according to Chris Drozdowski, manager of Houghton’s key account team and channel partners.

Pete Shufelt, owner of Backerworks, said his shop was “happy” with the coolant. However, Tom Vescuso, owner of Axis Machine Services LLC, Albuquerque, the local Houghton distributor, asked if Backerworks would like to test a new metalworking fluid called HOCUT 8640. “He told me there was a new coolant out that Houghton was pretty high on, pretty positive about,” Shufelt said.

Backerworks initially tried HOCUT 8640 in its Mitsubishi MVR 30 bridge mill. Image courtesy of Backerworks.

Shufelt, who was an NFL linebacker, formed Backerworks in a backyard garage in 1998. The shop now occupies a 24,000-sq.-ft. facility and employs more than 30 people.

Backerworks initially tried HOCUT 8640 in its Mitsubishi MVR 30 bridge mill. The machine has a 300-gal. (1,136L) sump and primarily cuts 1018 steel and 304 stainless steel. Shufelt said he was hesitant to change from an effective coolant to one that might work better.

After the switch, however, his feelings changed when he received positive feedback from his machinist. The new coolant provides enhanced wetting properties, reducing consumption (because of drag-out on parts and less evaporation), and its dispensability improves chip removal, minimizing machine downtime, according to Houghton.