In metal shops, the cutting, drilling and punching equipment requires a coolant to reduce the heat created by the friction between the metal undergoing cutting and the tool. The coolant also washes away any metal fines, swarf or chips into its reservoir – the sump. If the material continues to build up in the sump, it can create problems. To solve this problem, metalworking shops use a sump sucker.
What Are Sump Suckers?
SUMP suckers or sump cleaners are a specific piece of equipment employed to cleaning the coolants that end up in the sump. At this point, the sump contains both liquids and solids. The coolant is the liquid while the solids consist of metal fine, swarf and chips. A good sump cleaner can suck away everything in the sump. At the same time, a filter separates the two components, sending the coolant back to the machine tool sump while keeping the solids aside for removal elsewhere.
Why Cleaning with a Sump Sucker Is Important
Companies install a sump sucker for a number of reasons. They see the benefits from cleaning and recycling the coolant. In fact, by cleaning the coolant they:
* Extend the life of the coolant
* Decrease overall tools costs from reducing the need to purchase
* Improve the quality of work – or maintain high-quality product standards by removing any risk of solids in the coolant marring the finish of the workpieces
* Decrease the risk of contact dermatitis from microbial and fungal growth in the coolant
* Reduce the instances of high coolant temperatures by reducing the amount of solids
* Cuts down on the risk of depletion of the essential coolant ingredients
By cleaning the sump using a sump sucker, companies can reduce the instances of downtime through lower maintenance and replacement costs. Overall, by using sump suckers, it is possible for a metalworking shop to save money while improving tool longevity and productivity.
