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Oil-water Separator

Oil-water separator is the most important environmental protection/circulation equipment in CNC machine tools.

In the machining process, a large amount of coolant (cutting fluid) is required, which will generate a large amount of wastewater and waste oil. These wastewater and waste oil will affect human health and greatly pollute the environment. Therefore, they cannot be discharged directly; they need to be separated and then treated separately. The separated water enters the water cycle for reuse, and the separated oil is treated harmlessly alone.

How does an oil-water separator work?

  • Gravity separation: Utilizing the different specific gravities of oil and water under the action of gravity to separate oil and water.
  • Air flotation separation: Making a large amount of grease or solid particles float up by generating air bubbles, and then utilizing gravity separation methods to separate them from the liquid.
  • Filtration separation: Utilizing equipment such as filters to separate solid particles through physical filtration methods.
Oil-water Separator2

FAQ of Oil-water Separator

Will oil-water separators affect machining accuracy?

It will not directly affect the positioning accuracy.
But it can maintain stable coolant and cutting temperature, reduce tool chip buildup, and improve surface smoothness The assistance is particularly evident for mold processing, precision parts, medical parts, and aviation components.

Does the oil-water separator need maintenance?

Many customers’ first reactiIt needs maintenance Usually only requires:
Regularly clean and collect waste oil
Clean the oil absorbing components
Check the operation of the motor
The maintenance workload is very small.

Can oil-water separators reduce skin allergies?

Many customers’Many operators have been exposed to deteriorated coolant for a long time.
Possible skin irritation, eczema, itching
Keeping the coolant clean can help improve the working environment, but it cannot completely avoid all skin problems. Proper coolant management and personal protection should still be coordinated.

Do all machine tools require an oil-water separator?

No.
If continuous production is carried out for a long time, water-based coolant is used, there is a lot of lubricating oil in the guide rail, and the hydraulic system works for a long time, we highly recommend configuring it.
If it is only occasional processing, running for a few hours a day with almost no lubricant leakage, the demand will not be so urgent

Is oil-water separator worth investing in?

For long-term production enterprises, it is usually worth it.
The reasons include:
Extend the lifespan of the coolant
Reduce the frequency of fluid change
Reduce the cost of waste liquid treatment
Improve processing stability
Reduce downtime maintenance

Which machine tools are suitable for oil-water separators?
  1. Vertical machining center (VMC)
  2. Longmen machining center
  3. Horizontal machining center (HMC)
  4. CNC lathe
  5. Turning and milling composite machine tool
  6. Drilling and attacking the center
  7. Grinding machine
  8. Flexible Production Line (FMS)

Oil mist collector

The oil mist collector will collect the vaporized oil mist for unified treatment, which is a very important environmental protection equipment for CNC machine tools.

During the machining process, the high-speed rotating cutting tool will directly vaporize part of the cutting fluid, and the cutting fluid more or less contains oil ingredients inside. The vaporized oil and water are toxic to the human body and will also cause irreversible damage to the environment. The oil mist collector is specially used to collect the vaporized cutting fluid and degrade it for subsequent harmless treatment.

How the oil mist collector works?

The high-speed rotating motor impeller generates negative pressure, sucking the oil mist produced during machining into the interior of the collector. Then, through the high-speed rotating oil-flinging disc, tiny oil mist particles are collided and remain on the filter media. After filtration, the collected oil returns to the machine tool tank through the oil return pipe to continue to be used, and the purified air is discharged directly.

Schematic diagram of a centrifugal oil mist collector

FAQ of Oil mist collector

What problems can occur without an oil mist collector?

For employees:

  1. Respiratory irritation
  2. Skin contact with oil mist
  3. Deterioration of working environment
    For the factory:
  4. Oil on the surface area of walls and equipment
  5. The ground is wet and slippery, posing a safety risk
  6. Blockage of air conditioning filtration system
  7. Frequent cleaning of the workshop is required
    Regarding machine tools:
  8. Pollution inside the electrical cabinet
  9. Decreased lifespan of electronic components
  10. The guide rail and screw are contaminated
What types of mist can an oil mist collector remove?

1.Water soluble coolant mist for CNC milling machines and machining centers
2.Cutting oil mist for CNC lathes
3.High speed machining oil mist for high-speed spindle machining
4.Grinding fluid mist is used for grinding machines
5.Micro lubricating oil mist for MQL processing

What is the filtration efficiency?

1.Primary filtration is approximately 70% -90%
2.The standard industrial grade is approximately 90% -95%
3.The efficient filtration system is approximately 95% -99%

For CNC machining centers and CNC lathes, it is usually recommended to have a filtration efficiency of ≥ 95%

Will an oil mist collector affect machining accuracy?

No.
High quality oil mist separator adopts independent motor, independent air duct, and low vibration design
Will not affect spindle accuracy, guide rail motion, and workpiece dimensional accuracy

Where is the oil mist collector installed?

Method 1: Top installation of machine tool (most common)
Suitable for CNC machining centers, CNC lathes, drilling and tapping centers
Method 2: Side installation
Suitable for workshops with limited space
Method 3: Centralized System
Suitable for multiple machine tool production lines

How to select the right oil mist collector size?

Mainly based on:
Internal space of machine tool
spindle speed
Coolant usage
processed materials
Reference:
Recommended air volume for machine tool type
The small drilling machine has a capacity of 300-500 m ³/h
VMC850/VMC1160 is 600-1000 m ³/h
Large machining centers have a capacity of 1000-2000 m ³/h
The high-speed machining center has a capacity of 1500 m ³/h or more
Grinding machine selection based on dust content

How often should the filter be replaced?

Depends on daily processing time, coolant type, and processing materials
General replacement cycle:
The primary filter is 3-6 months old
Fine filters are 6-12 months old
The high-efficiency filtering module takes 1-2 years
If processing materials such as cast iron and graphite, the cycle time needs to be shortened.

Can the collected oil be recycled?

Yes, it can. High quality oil mist separator adopts centrifugal separation, multi-stage filtration, and oil reflux design
The collected oil can be returned to the machine tool coolant tank, reducing coolant consumption and lowering production cost

Is the oil mist collector noisy?

The noise level of a typical industrial oil mist separator is about 60-75 dB (A)
High quality products adopt balanced wind turbines, low-noise motors, and shock-absorbing structures, which will not significantly affect the workshop environment

Does it consume much electricity?

Typical power:
Small machines are 0.2-0.5 kW
Medium sized machines are 0.75-1.5 kW
Large machines are 2.2-5.5 kW
Compared to improving the environment and reducing maintenance costs, the operating expenses are lower

Why do CNC machine manufacturers recommend oil mist collectors?

1.Water soluble coolant mist for CNC milling machines and machining centers
2.Cutting oil mist for CNC lathes
3.High speed machining oil mist for high-speed spindle machining
4.Grinding fluid mist is used for grinding machines
5.Micro lubricating oil mist for MQL processing

How to choose a good oil mist collector?

Customers should pay attention to:

  1. Filtration efficiency ≥ 95%
  2. Air volume matching machine size
  3. Multi level filtering method
  4. Noise level ≤ 75dB
  5. The maintenance filter element is easy to replace
  6. Structural oil and corrosion resistance
  7. Priority given to CE certification

Chip Conveyor

The chip conveyor is an auxiliary equipment used to automatically collect and transport metal waste chips, which can collect chips and aluminum chips generated by machining.

During the machining process, if chips cannot be discharged in time, it is very easy to cause irreversible damage to the screw and guide rail; the chip conveyor we provide is made of thickened steel plates, featuring a special motor, high load-bearing capacity, smooth operation, and good sealing, and it will not get stuck. It is equipped with overload protection

Why is a chip conveyor important for CNC machines?

Chip conveyor offers several important benefits:

  • Prevents chip accumulation around the cutting area
  • Improves machining accuracy
  • Extends tool life
  • Protects guideways and ball screws
  • Reduces machine downtime
  • Improves operator safety
  • Supports unattended and automated production
  • Enhances coolant recovery efficiency

Without proper chip removal, chips can interfere with machining operations and even damage machine components over time.

Types of tool setters we provide

Screw type chip conveyor

Screw type chip conveyor

The screw type chip conveyor needs to be installed before leaving the factory. It is suitable for medium and small intensity machining, and the price is cost-effective.

Chain type chip conveyor

Chain type chip conveyor

Chain type chip conveyor is used for medium and large intensity machining, and an oil-water separator can be additionally installed.

In addition to this, we also offer Scraper Chip Conveyor, Magnetic Chip Conveyor, Drum Filter Chip Conveyor and Combination Chip Conveyor Systems. Each design is suitable for different chip shapes, materials, and machining conditions.

What are the main components of a chip conveyor?

Typical components include:

Conveyor frame

Conveyor chain or belt

Drive motor

Gear reducer

Sprockets

Bearings

Coolant drainage section

Chip discharge chute

Electrical control systemOverload protection device

FAQ of chip conveyor

Which chip conveyor is best for steel machining?

A hinged belt chip conveyor is generally the best choice for steel machining because it efficiently handles long, curled, and heavy steel chips while providing reliable continuous operation.

Which conveyor is suitable for cast iron chips?

Scraper chip conveyors are commonly recommended for cast iron because cast iron usually produces short, broken chips that are easily transported by scraper systems.

Can magnetic chip conveyors transport aluminum chips?

No.Magnetic conveyors only transport ferrous materials such as:

Carbon steel

Alloy steel

Cast iron

They cannot transport aluminum, brass, copper, titanium, or stainless steel chips because these materials are non-magnetic.

Can one chip conveyor handle multiple materials?

Yes. Many CNC machining centers process different materials. Hinged belt conveyors are often selected because they can handle mixed chip types better than magnetic systems.

Can chip conveyors separate coolant from chips?

Yes. Most modern chip conveyors include coolant drainage sections that allow coolant to return to the coolant tank while transporting chips to a collection bin. Advanced systems can also integrate coolant filtration to improve coolant cleanliness and reduce waste.

Does a chip conveyor improve coolant life?

Yes. Removing chips quickly reduces contamination inside the coolant tank, which:

Extends coolant service life

Improves coolant quality

Reduces bacterial growthLowers maintenance costs.

Which CNC machines require chip conveyors?

Chip conveyors are widely used on:

Vertical Machining Centers (VMC)

Horizontal Machining Centers (HMC)

Gantry Machining Centers

CNC Lathes

Turning Centers

Double Column Machining Centers

Drilling & Tapping CentersFive-Axis Machining Centers

Can chip conveyors run continuously?

Yes. Industrial chip conveyors are designed for continuous operation in automated production environments. Many machines also support automatic interval operation to optimize energy consumption

How do I choose the right chip conveyor?

Selection depends on several factors:

Workpiece material

Chip shape

Chip volume

Coolant flow

Machine layout

Available installation space

Required discharge heightProduction cycle.

What causes a chip conveyor to jam?

Common causes include:

Long stringy chips wrapping around shafts

Excessive chip accumulation

Foreign objects entering the conveyor

Worn conveyor chain

Improper chain tension

Overloaded conveyor

Regular cleaning and preventive maintenance greatly reduce the risk of jamming.

Five-axis Systerm

The (3+2) 5-axis system is the lowest-priced 5-axis system, and it has wide applicability, making it suitable for most 3-axis machines.

The 3+2 5-axis system is very suitable for judging whether it is necessary to transition to a true 5-axis system (structural 5-axis) based on your current machining requirements. You only need to spend a small cost to test; when the (3+2) 5-axis system is no longer sufficient, it means you need to transition to a true 5-axis (structural 5-axis) machine. We also provide structural 5-axis machines for you to choose from, supporting 5-axis simultaneous machining.

Our five-axis system includes:

5th-axis body

Our 5th-axis body is manufactured from alloy mold steel, making it sturdy and durable.

Drive

Just like the 4th-axis system, the drive methods for the 5th axis are also: roller gear cam, worm gear drive, and DD motor drive.

Braking systems

The brakes for the 5-axis system are also divided into pneumatic brakes and hydraulic brakes.

Five-axis system

FAQ of (3+2)5-axis system

Does a Five-Axis CNC system require special CAM software?

Yes. Most Five-Axis machining applications require CAM software capable of generating multi-axis toolpaths, collision avoidance, and optimized machining strategies. The CAM software outputs NC programs compatible with the selected CNC controller.

Which languages ​​does the 5-axis system support?

Most Five-Axis CNC systems support:

ISO G-code

DIN programming

Conversational programming (depending on controller)

CAM-generated NC programs

Macro programmingUser-defined subprograms

Why are structural 5-axis machines so expensive?

The high cost of a five-axis system lies in its controller—specifically, a controller capable of five-axis simultaneous motion; currently, only a handful of manufacturers worldwide produce controllers capable of this level of functionality.

What maintenance does a Five-Axis CNC system require?

Routine maintenance includes:

Software backup

Parameter backup

Servo tuning verification

Encoder inspection

Electrical cabinet cleaning

Cooling fan maintenance

Lubrication system checks

Communication interface inspection

Alarm history review

Regular calibration

Four-axis Systerm

Almost all 3-axis machines can be retrofitted with a 4th-axis system.

The 4th-axis system transforms planar machining into multi-sided machining, greatly improving efficiency and shortening machining time. By simply installing the 4th-axis rotary table on the worktable and adding a 4th-axis drive and motor into the controller, the 3-axis machine can be upgraded to a 4th-axis machine, which is simple, fast, and convenient to assemble and disassemble.

Our 4th-axis system includes:

4th-axis body

The 4th-axis body is manufactured from alloy mold steel, making it sturdy and durable.

Drive systems

The 4th-axis drive methods we provide include: roller gear cam, worm gear drive, and DD motor drive.

Braking systems

Brakes include pneumatic brakes and hydraulic brakes. The brake controls the axis to stop, and the brake can control the precision of the 4th axis.

Four-axis system

FAQ of 4th-axis

Does a Four-Axis CNC system improve machining accuracy?

Yes.

By reducing the number of setups and minimizing repositioning errors, a Four-Axis CNC system improves dimensional accuracy and ensures greater consistency across production batches.

Does a Four-Axis CNC system require CAM software?

For simple indexing operations, manual programming may be sufficient. However, for complex simultaneous Four-Axis machining, CAM software is recommended to generate optimized toolpaths and reduce programming time.

What types of rotary axes are supported?

Most Four-Axis CNC systems support one rotary axis, which may be configured as:

A-axis (rotation around the X-axis)

B-axis (rotation around the Y-axis)

C-axis (rotation around the Z-axis)The specific configuration depends on the machine design and application.

What programming formats are supported?

Most Four-Axis CNC systems support:

ISO G-code

DIN programming

CAM-generated NC programs

Macro programming

SubprogramsConversational programming (on supported controllers)

Which CNC controller brands offer Four-Axis control?

Many leading CNC manufacturers provide Four-Axis control capabilities, including:

FANUC

Siemens SINUMERIK

Mitsubishi

Heidenhain

SYNTEC

Fagor

NUM

Bosch RexrothController features vary depending on the model and software options.

Through-Spindle Coolant (TSC) system

Through-Spindle Coolant

Through-Spindle Coolant is abbreviated as TSC. A high-pressure coolant pipe is added inside the spindle, which is paired with a high-pressure coolant pump to achieve cooling of the spindle, tool, and workpiece from inside the spindle, while evacuating the cutting chips.

The traditional method of external water pipes spraying coolant is inefficient. During the machining process, the high-speed rotating tool will fling out the coolant, and in some extreme machining processes, the coolant cannot reach the true cutting center due to angle reasons, thereby leading to premature tool wear, a decline in machining accuracy, and an increase in the scrap rate. However, when the through-spindle coolant system works, it sprays under high pressure from the inside, so it can maintain the low temperature of the spindle, tool, and machining area at all times, thereby preventing thermal deformation, washing away cutting chips, improving machining efficiency and product surface quality, and extending the service life of the spindle.

Specifications we provide

30bar Through-Spindle Coolant (TSC)

30-bar Through-Spindle Coolant (TSC) system

50bar Through-Spindle Coolant (TSC)

50-bar Through-Spindle Coolant (TSC) system

FAQ of Through-Spindle Coolant

Which machining operations benefit most from TSC?

Deep-hole drilling

Gun drilling

Reaming

Tapping

Boring

End milling

High-speed machining

Heavy-duty roughing

High-feed milling

Titanium and stainless steel machining

Which materials are suitable for Through-Spindle Coolant machining?

TSC is effective for machining:

Carbon steel

Stainless steel

Tool steel

Alloy steel

Aluminum alloys

Titanium alloys

Inconel

Nickel-based alloys

Copper

Brass

Cast iron

What coolant pressure is commonly used for TSC?

Typical pressure ranges include:

20–30 bar: General drilling and milling

40–70 bar: Medium-depth drilling and demanding machining

70–100 bar: Deep-hole drilling and high-performance applications

100 bar and above: Specialized aerospace, medical, and precision manufacturingThe optimal pressure depends on the cutting tool, material, and machining process.

Can TSC be used with standard tool holders?

Not always.A Through-Spindle Coolant system requires compatible components, including:

TSC-compatible spindle

Sealed tool holders

Through-coolant cutting tools

High-pressure coolant pump

Appropriate rotary unions and sealsStandard tool holders without internal coolant passages cannot deliver coolant through the tool.

What filtration level is recommended for TSC?

High-pressure coolant systems require clean coolant to protect pumps, seals, and cutting tools. Filtration between 10 and 25 microns is commonly recommended, depending on the application and machine manufacturer.

What maintenance does a TSC system require?

Routine maintenance includes:

Cleaning or replacing coolant filters

Checking coolant concentration

Inspecting the high-pressure pump

Monitoring coolant pressure

Inspecting rotary union seals

Cleaning the coolant tank

Removing chips from the filtration systemChecking hoses and fittings for leaks

Can an existing CNC machine be upgraded with Through-Spindle Coolant?

In many cases, yes. Retrofitting depends on the machine’s spindle design, coolant plumbing, and controller compatibility. Many machining centers can be upgraded with a high-pressure pump, rotary union, and compatible tooling.

Tool Magazine

The function of the tool magazine is to store cutting tools and, in coordination with the CNC system, automatically change tools, thereby completing complex machining.

The tool is a key link in automation; a machining requirement can hardly be fully machined using only one tool. In a fast-paced machining process, automatic tool changing can reduce a massive amount of time cost and greatly improve efficiency.

Do I need a tool magazine?

In areas where 100% precision is required and low failure rates are needed, a tool magazine is not necessarily a mandatory option, because the tool magazine itself may bring a tiny bit of failure rate. For making molds, some master operators do not care about the few minutes of timeliness brought by automatic tool changing; what they care about is that every step needs to be inspected to prevent errors. Under this circumstance, having no tools results in a lower failure rate.

When complex parts machining is required and efficiency needs to be improved, then a tool magazine is indispensable. Tool magazines often come with an automatic tool changing function, and the cumulative efficiency can be improved by a lot.

We provide tool magazine types

Arm-type tool magazine

Arm-type tool magazine

The conventional number of tools is 20/24T, and it is frequently used for vertical machining centers.

Chain-type tool magazine

Chain-type tool magazine

The conventional number of tools for the chain-type tool magazine is 32T and above, and it is commonly used for large machining centers.

Umbrella-type tool magazine

Umbrella-type tool magazine

Suitable for CNC engraving and milling machines, with conventional specifications of 8, 12, and 16; the tool change speed is relatively slow, making it economical and practical.

FAQ of Through-Spindle Coolant

Do I need a tool magazine?

Making molds can do without a tool magazine, while making parts to pursue efficiency must have a tool magazine.

Approximately how long will it take before the tool magazine frequently experiences problems, and what are the corrective measures?

If the machining demand intensity is high and you also pursue higher stability, we recommend replacing the tool magazine once a year.