Machine shops, notorious for indoor air nightmares, take on added environmental concerns when CNC is the heart of the shop. Proper Computerized Numerical Control or computerized manufacturing requires a good deal of temperature and humidity control to achieve precision manufacturing results along with air quality that supports a thriving staff of technicians.
Temperature affects CNC output.
Temperature stability becomes critical for producing quality products. High shop temperatures can cause equipment and supplies to morph--swelling, bending--throwing CNC machines off their game. Static issues and shrinkage are possible when temps dip too much. Varying temperatures can further throw off precision measurements and therefore productivity. At that point you risk an inferior finished product.
Depending on supplies used and geographic climate, a CNC shop would do well to install optimal HVAC operated through dynamic controls for taming these issues.
CNC shop humidity is as important as temperature control.
CNC technology engages high-pressure water pumps flowing with cutting fluid. Often a combination of coolant, various chemical compounds, mineral oils, and corrosion inhibitors, the fluid is nevertheless water-based. If the resulting moisture in the air promotes a rising dewpoint resulting in high humidity, condensation has a field day with equipment prone to shorting out as well as causing corrosion and oxidation of materials such as carbon steel. To avoid unnecessarily replacing parts and coping with the ire of uncomfortable staff, keep humidity between 50% and 60%.
Get that oil out of the machine room air, Slick!
Moisture isn’t the only thing spewing into the air when cutting fluid is in use. Chemicals and oil fumes aren’t good for the humans working the systems. Employees should be able to count on a reasonably healthy work environment. Once again, the phrase, “Ventilate! Ventilate! Ventilate!” cannot be emphasized enough.
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