The milling, drilling, and tapping machines manufactured by Universal-Automatic Corp require an efficient chip conveyor and filtration system to handle the heavy chipload and maintain coolant clarity. Founded in 1957 by the Klancnik family in Des Plaines, IL, Universal-Automatic designs and builds reliable machine tools using the newest and best technology available, in order to provide their customers with increased productivity and greater manufacturing precision. Products include linear bearing slide units with hydraulic and ballscrew feed; 3-axis and 2-axis machining units; clamping fixtures; CNC boxway slide units; pneumatic drilling, tapping, and milling units; tap heads; and milling/slotting heads.
The $750,000 MMS (Modular Machining System) machines can offer up to three times the production rate of standard horizontal machining centers, while occupying the same amount of floor space. This level of production requires an efficient chip conveyor and filtration system. Initially a rotary drum-designed filtration unit was used, but it consumed a lot of maintenance time as the units were not removing chips efficiently and there were problems with coolant foaming.
Universal-Automatic's president, Ken Klancnik, turned to Hennig, Inc in Machesney Park, IL for help. Hennig's Chip Disc Filtration System (CDF) proved to be the solution, offering a simple filtration design, construction, and operation -- plus easy maintenance, minimizing downtime.
Hennig's disc filtration design is made up of a hinged conveyor belt that transports chips and acts as the first stage filter. A scraper-type conveyor is also available, depending on the chip configuration. A rotating disc, permanently sealed to the outside of the conveyor body, provides the second stage filter. It uses a long-life stainless steel screen that can handle both momentary and continuous heavy chip loads, which can damage nylon mesh drum-type filters. The Hennig Chip Catch II is an optional third stage filter for removal of any fine particles that may cling to the conveyor belt.
"The best features and benefits of using the Hennig disc design are intangible," explains Ken. "There are no more warranty or service issues and it's competitively priced with the rotary drum system." Delivery, quality, and reliability -- for Universal-Automatic, Hennig is the answer.
