Like other metalworking manufacturers and suppliers, D & S Machine Service strives to maintain excellent quality standards while increasing productivity. Located in Luxemburg, WI, D & S is a complete service provider for components and special parts to such industries as construction equipment, heavy lifting, paper, marine, packaging, and printing.
The D & S team has over 75 years of machine shop and engineering experience. Through their work with many large and small OEM customers throughout North America, the employees have come to appreciate end user market needs and, most importantly, the value of a strong commitment to customer service.
In 2003, D & S programmer/tool buyer Gregg Campbell was evaluating machine maintenance, looking to move to a more efficient semi-synthetic fluid that would run cleaner, provide a better sump life, and increase tool life. The company maintains 24 machines that include horizontal CNC bars, CNC vertical mills, manual mills, CNC turning centers, engine lathes, and saws. Given the number and variety of machines, this was no small project.
Performance, Customer Support Influence Change
The Cimcool line became a strong consideration based upon its performance history, "no hassle" guarantee, and strong customer support. The Cimstar® 3890 metalworking fluid was presented as a viable solution. Campbell transitioned all 24 machines to Cimstar® 3890, put it to the test, and was more than satisfied with the results.
"Our machines performed more efficiently using the Cimstar® 3890," Campbell noted. "They ran cleaner with a longer sump life, and increased tool life. To make it even better, the Cimstar® 3890 was less expensive then the product we had previously used. It was an overall success for us."
Cimstar® 3890 became the primary metalworking fluid for D & S. At the same time, the company began to use Cimtech® 95 synthetic fluid for its grinders. Both products were more than satisfactory with regard to quality; however, D & S received an added bonus in the customer support provided by the Cimcool team.
Cimcool's technical and safety support teams visited the D & S facility on several occasions to present workshops on Defrag Ratings, the Do's and Don'ts of Coolants, as well as the latest in product information and safety. The Cimcool team made sure not only to provide quality products, but also to support the entire D & S operation through continuing education.
Good Timing for a Fluid Change
In 2005, D & S was installing several new machines, 3 Toshiba CNC Bars and 1 Toshiba VTL. Coincidentally, Cimcool was releasing its new Cimcool Z Fluids. Cimcool had improved several of their most established fluids in the Cimtech® (synthetics), Cimstar® (semi-synthetics) and Cimperial® (soluble oils) families to achieve the Cimcool ® Z Fluids. The Advanced Technology Z fluids touted several benefits, including an increase in sump life, up to 40% improved tool life, a 20% increase in productivity, excellent rancidity control, and a significant reduction in concentrate rate usage.
Based on their experience and confidence in the Cimcool® line, D & S decided to try the new Cimstar® 60XLZ metalworking fluid. The timing was perfect for a fluid change; with new machines coming in, additional maintenance would not be needed to handle a fluid changeover. The Cimstar® 60XLZ exceeded expectations, resulting in D & S transitioning the other 24 machines to it, as well.
"The effect of using the new Z line product has been significant," said Campbell. "At D & S Machine Service we work with a variety of steel -- from mild to hard carbon. We never thought we would find one product that would be able to handle this spectrum of material. However, the Cimstar® 60XLZ has proven to meet this challenge, and has definitely exceeded our expectations when it comes to a metalworking fluid. Since implementing the 60XLZ, we have been able to recognize a 10-20% increase in tool life, depending on the application, and a 40% increase in sump life. Not to mention, the Cimstar® 60XLZ is such a well designed fluid that it has eliminated the need for us to use tapping oil."
