Floyd Jets Out More Innovation...

15 August 2017

Recognised for bringing some of the most innovative machine tool and cutting tool solutions to the shores of the UK, Floyd Automatic Tooling has once again raised the bar with its new VARIO-Jet automatic coolant nozzle from Hirt Line.

Introducing the UK's first retrofitted and freely programmable coolant nozzle with automatic data exchange via the tool offset of the machine; Floyd Automatic is certain to keep the coolant flowing to the cutting edge with this unique innovation. The challenge for manufacturers running machine tools with multiple cutting tools used on a single component is how to keep the coolant flowing directly to the cutting edge with continually changing tool lengths and diameters.

As an example, coolant hoses can be directed at the cutting edge of a tool protruding 60mm from the spindle nose; however, the next tool from the carousel may have a protrusion of 100, 150 or even beyond 200mm. The result is the coolant jet will not remain targeted at the cutting edge due to the ever changing tool length parameters. Insufficient coolant supply can create excessive heating of the contact area, poor swarf clearance, diminishing tool life and consequently inconsistent tool life.

To enhance tool life, machining performance, surface finishes and even prolong the life of the fluid, the VARIO-Jet guarantees that coolant is always directed at the cutting area. The VARIO-Jet can be retrofitted to any machine tool with a tool offset. As standard, the VARIO-Jet is available with 20bar pressure and an optional system is offered with 80bar.

The VARIO-Jet has a data exchange system that operates via the tool offset RS232 or through a similar interface on the CNC control. With a brushless DC motor and encoder, the VARIO-Jet is a maintenance-free system that is available with a complete line of replaceable flat or circular coolant nozzles. The nozzles can rotate at up to 35 degrees, so coolant is optimally delivered to the cutting edge of tools of all lengths and diameters.

Only requiring a ‘one-time’ input of the parameters to complete the setup operation, the VARIO-Jet can also be activated via Wi-Fi through a web browser or App that is compatible with smartphones, tablets, laptops or PCs. The connection thread for the coolant is programmable through G1 codes and the Wi-Fi has a WPA2 encryption system for added security. Connected to the machine tool with a 230V AC power supply, the energy efficient system has a power consumption of just 50W.

The easily retrofitted system includes an 85 by 70 mm by 100mm unit that can be fitted anywhere in the machine envelope. With the central unit is a VARIO-Jet nozzle with a 3.2mm diameter outlet, a special stainless steel holder, an IP65 rated control cabinet, a 2m hose set with up to 20bar pressure, a pre-assembled 15m long data cable, a 3m long 230V connection cable and an installation and operation manual.