We recently chatted with a customer that was looking to improve the lubrication system for multiple blanking lines. Blanking involves the cutting of sheet metal in a single step, to separate the piece form the surrounding stock. The part that is cut out is the desired product and is called the ‘blank.’ This operation can be moderate to fast in speed, and the process creates heat, so a lubricant is used to cool and decrease the wear on the tooling. Our customer was looking for a better way to apply the lubricant.
We proposed the model AN2010SS, a No Drip, internal mix, narrow angle, round fan Atomizing Nozzle. The nozzle uses compressed air to create a mist of the liquid with very fine droplet size. When using for the lubricant, a fine layer can be applied over the entire surface without areas of over coverage and waste. This leads to lower costs for lubricant, and less mess on the blanks.
To simplify the process, the No Drip model was chosen. The No Drip style has the added benefit of positively stopping liquid flow when the compressed air is turned off. There is no need to independently control the liquid flow via a control system and valve.
Finally, to control the compressed air side, we recommend the Electronic Flow Control (EFC.) Utilizing a photoelectric sensor, the open position of the press can be detected and using 1 of many program options, the compressed air can be turned on and off to accurately control the application of the lubricant. Due to the excessive amount of lubricant being used, the customer was applying every other cycle. The first blank would be overly lubricated so that there would be some remaining for the next. With the Atomizing Nozzle and EFC, the right amount of lubricant can be applied for each cycle. The result is reduced lubricant usage, and a better operation.
If you have questions regarding Atomizing Nozzles or any EXAIR Intelligent Compressed Air® Product, feel free to contact EXAIR and myself or one of our Application Engineers can help you determine the best solution.
Brian Bergmann
Application Engineer
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