The owner led firm had built a reputation as a reliable supplier of high quality components with ability to deliver within deadlines. The company manufactured precision components and catered to the requirements of automotive, marine and bearing industries. With stringent quality processes, the employees imbibed the company philosophy of delivering high quality components consistently at competitive prices. The production team were always on the lookout for initiatives to reduce manufacturing cost by improving process efficiency.

Out of the 60 machines installed, the split was equal between conventional and CNC machines. The standalone machining centres run with neat oils had capability to perform all regular machining processes such as turning, milling, tapping, drilling, grinding, thread cutting etc. Daily operations involved machining of regular steel, special alloy steel, leaded and non leaded materials.

With regular production schedules, the Production team was concerned about ways to improve tool life as it had significant impact on CPC. Right coolant management practices with suitable filtration systems had ensured that the existing coolant, ‘Product I’ performed adequately for the past 6 years.

However the Customer was keen to check if cutting fluids could impact tool life in any way. Given the circumstances, Bechem was provided an opportunity along with another prominent coolant brand to prove performances of their respective products against customer’s existing cutting fluid.

BECHEM’s ‘go to’ product for the trial was Berucut SCO 322 HC, the non water miscible coolant formulated with lubricity improvers and anti wear additives for superior machining performance and increased tool life. Developed for high speed machining, the Chlorine and heavy metal free coolant has a flash point of over 210 C and resists smoke formation even during intensive machining operations on tough metals. The ‘yellow clear fluid’ is resistant to ageing and provides good corrosion protection to machine and components.

The first trial was conducted for a period of 1 month on two similar machining centers and operations with only the coolant being the varying parameter.

With Berucut SCO 322 HC, the customer observed that the tool life almost increased by 50% compared to the existing coolant. There was marked improvement in surface finish of the component as well as cleanliness of the machines. The Customer was surprised with the results and wanted a confirmation on repeatability.

While a trial for repeatability was being scheduled, the BECHEM team proposed to increase machining speed with an intention to reduce cycle time and subsequently compare the results. At this point in time, the other prominent player in the market also pitched in with their offering, ‘Product B’. A second trial was conducted with change in machining speeds.

Tool Life Comparison Chart
Measured in no. of machined components

The result was no different from trial 1, Berucut SCO 322 HC beat both the products in tool life, machine cleanliness and component finish.

The Customer was able to experience increased tool life with Berucut SCO 322 HC by over 50% with existing coolant and over 40% with the other popular brand in the market.

With increase in tool life and reduction in CPC established, the Customer changed over from his earlier product to Berucut SCO 322 HC.

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