Case Study - Filtration & SintoGrind for Murray Timber Group
Murray Timber Group is one of the largest, most progressive and flexible sawmills in Ireland with world class facilities are capable of processing more than 1,000,000m3 of logs annually. To maintain high production levels the company runs a number of in-house support operations, including a re-sharpening process for the carbide cutting component of their sawblades.
In 2019 the company’s Ballygar site decided to upgrade their CNC resharpening machine to Vollmer CHD sharpening machine with higher levels of accuracy, creating the need for new filtration system that would extend the lifespan of their coolant, remove as much tungsten from the coolant as possible, enhance machine cleanliness, and which could keep up with increased use of the machine tool.
A GFS100 Universal Filtration System was specified by oelheld UK. Designed as standalone units which connect to existing machine tool tanks, the GFS100 models provide effective filtration at a very cost-effective price. Using cartridge-based technology, the units are suitable for water, solutions, or neat oil up to 15 cSt. at 40˚C, and offer a flowrate of up to 100l/minute. Filtration levels can be tailored down to 1micron and in the case of Murray Timber, 15micron filter cartridges with a 15kg debris capacity were installed, to suit the CNC processing of the carbide inserts. The units themselves take up minimal floorspace (80x80x120cm) and the portable design makes for easy relocation between individual machine tools as they are brought in/out of production. This proved particularly useful for changeover period at Murray Timber between the old, and new, machines.
“The machine itself is quite compact while also being well capable of filtering the coolant as efficiently as we need. The last machine had a twin pot paper filter system and though this was ok for a while, but we found the filters were getting clogged up quicker because we were using the machine a lot more so we needed a machine that would filter more efficiently. The GFS 100 does the job very well. Personally, I don’t think you could get a product to clean the coolant any better. - Paul Maher, Murray Timber”
The opportunity was also taken to review the company’s coolant and oelheld’s SintoGrind TTK, a fully synthetic, extremely low foaming grinding oil with excellent rinsing and cooling properties, shear-resistance, and ageing inhibitors was put forward.
“We went with SintoGrind because it is synthetic and doesn’t have a use-by date, so we only need to top the machine up, rather than change a full tank each time. We’ve found that because the SintoGrind is cleaner we’re getting a better sharpening edge, and our grinding wheels are lasting longer. - Paul Maher, Murray Timber”
There is no doubt that individually the GFS 100 and Sintogrind are both fantastic products but when used together they complement each other to offer even greater benefits. Efficient filtration of the PAO based oil means it can keep doing what it does best day after day therefore continually offering more reliable machining results. For Murray Timber, the GFS100 and SintoGrind combination has proven to be a system well suited to their re-sharpening processes, as well as enhancing production speeds and improving component surface finish it has resulted in reduced machine tool maintenance and extended the lifespan of their grinding wheels. Being oelSmart® is not just about buying the right oil, it is about looking after it too.
In 2021 Murray Timber plan to expand on their long-established presence in the decking, pallet, fencing, pressurised and construction timber markets, whilst continuing their forestry activities which offer a carbon neutral timber source for customers. For any forestry or timber requirements please contact Murray Timber’s Galway office on +353 (0)90 662 4000, or Carlow office on +353 (0)59 915 9178.
New machine purchases offer the perfect opportunity to review your coolant, filtration and mist extraction provisions to make sure all elements complement one another in a way that gives you the performance levels you are looking for.