MQL Units / Oil Air Water Mix

Both MQL (Minimum Quantity Lubrication) and Oil Mist Cooling are methods used in machining to reduce the use of cutting fluids. However, they have key distinctions that are crucial for selecting the appropriate machining strategy.

Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) is an advanced lubrication technology designed to replace traditional, flood-cooling machining methods by supplying an extremely precise and minimal amount of lubricant. Unlike flood cooling, MQL technology precisely sprays lubricant as an aerosol (oil mist) into the cutting zone, forming a thin, uniform lubricating film between the tool and the workpiece. This technique not only effectively lubricates the tool and workpiece but also simultaneously dissipates cutting heat, achieving efficient cooling.

An MQL system typically consists of a lubricant reservoir, a dosing pump, a compressed air source, and a nozzle. By precisely controlling the lubricant flow rate and compressed air pressure, the system mixes a minute amount of lubricant (typically a few milliliters per hour) with air, forming micron-sized oil droplets. These droplets are then directly sprayed through the nozzle onto the tool’s cutting edge and into the cutting zone. The lubricant vaporizes under high temperatures and friction, forming a boundary lubrication film that effectively reduces the coefficient of friction, minimizes tool wear, and simultaneously removes some heat through evaporative cooling.

Core Principle: Oil mist cooling generally refers to the process of mixing oil with air to form an oil mist, which is then sprayed into the machining area to provide both cooling and lubrication. While this sounds similar to MQL, traditional oil mist cooling often uses a greater volume of oil, and its cooling effect is usually more pronounced than MQL, though it is also more prone to generating visible oil mist or fumes.

Cooling Mechanism:

• Heat Removal: Oil droplets in the mist absorb heat and evaporate upon contact with the high-temperature cutting zone, or are carried away with the chips, providing a cooling effect.
• Lubrication: The oil itself also provides lubrication, reducing friction.
• Airflow Heat Dissipation: Airflow helps to dissipate heat.

Characteristics:

• Relatively Higher Oil Volume: Compared to MQL, traditional oil mist cooling typically uses more oil, which can lead to a more noticeable oil mist in the workshop.
• Potential for Oil Mist Pollution: If the system is poorly designed or the oil volume is too high, it can easily form airborne oil mist, posing health and environmental concerns for workers, requiring stronger oil mist collection and filtration systems.
• Balances Cooling and Lubrication: Often with a stronger emphasis on cooling.

The self-priming cooling spray pump is a high-efficiency system that integrates cooling, lubrication, and chip removal. With a built-in self-priming mechanism, it automatically draws in cutting fluid and atomizes it with compressed air to create a fine, uniform cooling mist. Ideal for machining processes such as milling, drilling, and grinding, it effectively reduces tool temperature, minimizes wear, and improves machining precision and efficiency. Its compact design and easy installation make it suitable for various machine tools and automated processing equipment.