Part 4 of our Aerospace series of case studies takes a look at an aerospace engine manufacturer based in the US using a neat cutting oil in the machining process of titanium and Inconel jet engine components.

The manufacturer was seeking an alternative fluid to improve working conditions and maximise performance in its machining operations. The recommendation was switching to Castrol Hysol MB 50. It had an immediate impact. Operator acceptance improved, productivity and performance levels increased, and the client saved hundreds of hours of labour. The switch was reported to save the client a staggering 780 hours of production time per year.

 

Read the case study summary to see how moving to Castrol Hysol MB 50 achieved these figures.

Sector          | Industrial

Sub-sector     | Aerospace Manufacturing

Application  | Machining

Product       | Castrol Hysol MB 50

Background

An aerospace manufacturer was seeking an alternative fluid to improve working conditions and maximise performance in its machining operations. It was recommended that they made a switch to Castrol Hysol MB 50. It had an immediate impact. Operator acceptance improved productivity and performance levels increased, and the client saved hundreds of hours of labour.

Challenge

The client is an aerospace engine manufacturer based in the US. It was using a neat cutting oil in the machining process of titanium and Inconel jet engine components. Unfortunately, the company was facing operator complaints due to residue and washer contamination. In addition, on the Fellows spline centre, cutters required regrinding after just two parts and inspections were taking over an hour due to part finishes. All this was hampering productivity and costing the client time, money and labour. They were looking to find an alternative to improve cutter life, part finish and machine cleanliness.

Solution

After a thorough evaluation, Castrol Hysol MB 50 was recommended – a high-performance soluble metalworking fluid, proven to effectively replace neat oil in critical spline operations for jet engine drive shafts. Because the product is formaldehyde-releasing agent and chlorine-free, we were confident it would eliminate any nasty side effects and improve operator acceptance.

Outcome

The client was delighted with the results. With Castrol Hysol MB 50, cutter life doubled to four parts, reducing production loss for tool changes by one hour per two parts. This saved the company a massive 260 hours a year in reduced tooling costs.

On top of that, inspection time was cut from one hour to just 15 minutes and part washing was completely eliminated. As predicted, Castrol Hysol MB 50’s unique formulation did away with chlorinated paraffins, creating a better working environment for operators, and its robust additive package enhanced machining performance and surface finish.

Since making the switch to Castrol Hysol MB 50, operator acceptance has vastly improved, productivity is up and costs are down.

Advice

To discuss your industrial lubricant needs or to see what we can do for you. Contact Kernow Oils us on 01736 757 002, email at info@kernow-oils.co.uk or visit our website at https://www.kernow-oils.co.uk/products-category/industrial-lubricants