A CNC mist collector is a tool used to collect the residual mist from a CNC machine. The mist produced by a CNC should not be breathed by those who are using the machine. This has created the need for an oil mist collector to prevent the inhalation of dangerous chemicals.
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Installing a mist collector
In a production atmosphere, a smaller mist collector is usually a round object. It looks similar to a vacuum. Cylindrical in shape, it can sit on the top of a CNC machine or other device. It can also be installed close to the CNC machine on a tube that collects air from the machine. The tube carries air into the mist collector where the mist is filtered. Really large mist collectors can service more than one CNC at a time. An extra-large collector will have its own setup similar to an in-house vacuum, with pipes running in various locations. If the collector is extra-large it will take up floor space similar to a cardboard bailer.
How to remove dangerous fumes with an oil mist collector
Apart from the negative reaction that the human body has to shale oil products, it is not smart to inhale oil fumes. A CNC machine, screw machine, grinder or other production machines produce a fine mist that is not conducive to good lung health. For this reason, installing a mist collector is a definitive way to protect the health of workers. To use a collector for this oil mist is straightforward for newer machines. Simply install the tube to a suitable exhaust vent located on the CNC or other machines. For tooling dies that are not enclosed, place the intake tube of a collector near to where the machining takes place. Newer production machines are easier to hook up than older models.
Air temperatures should be taken into consideration
The air temperature inside a factory is going to be fairly constant. But a CNC machine placed right next to a wall in a factory may have an outlet to the outside. If this is the case the CNC mist collector could be placed outside. Air temperatures below freezing will have to be taken into consideration in higher elevations or northerly locations. Water-soluble coolants can freeze when the temperature dips to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If ice forms inside on the filter of a mist collector it could form a barrier to the escape of air. This will take extra time out of the workday to fix. Not only this, certain oils have a fluid viscosity that changes with the temperature. This means that when it is cold a CNC mist collector may have degraded performance because the oil is thicker.
Removing dust and fumes with a mist collector
Placing the hood of an oil mist collector correctly near a tool will increase its ability to remove dust. Just like a vacuum, the hood should be placed at an ideal distance from the work. Proper hood size is to be taken into consideration along with the distance from the work being done. Wider hoods for more vigorous work is recommended. Is the dust being thrown in one central direction? Use the hood of the collector on that side for better dust removal. For removing smoke and fumes the process is similar.