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A successful partnership with Numachine
In contract manufacturing, every micrometre, every second and process stability count. Every process variable affects quality, costs and productivity – including the metalworking fluid. At Numachine Ltd., it was precisely this factor that was specifically optimised in collaboration with Oemeta. The result: longer tool life, cleaner components, lower metalworking fluid consumption and more sustainable production.
Numachine was founded in 2019 and specialises in the CNC machining of complex components. Among other things, the company manufactures components from cast iron, aluminium, stainless steel, structural steel and plastics. Using state-of-the-art machining and measurement systems, Numachine supplies demanding sectors such as the automotive industry, medical technology and aerospace – sectors in which repeatability, process reliability and uncompromising quality are crucial.
The start of our collaboration
Around six months before the changeover, Oemeta worked with Numachine to analyse the existing metalworking fluid processes. The standard metalworking fluid used up to that point was causing problems, particularly during thread tapping and thread milling in castings. Tool life was too short, and tool breakages led to scrap and additional costs.
Furthermore, residues were left on components, machines and work surfaces. This resulted in coolant losses, additional cleaning work and potential safety risks in production.
Our solution: ESTRAMET S 95
Following the analysis, Oemeta recommended the use of ESTRAMET S 95. This water-miscible metalworking fluid is based on ester oil and contains no fossil-based raw materials. It therefore supports both Numachine’s technical performance requirements and its sustainability goals. The analysis also revealed the potential for a roughly 20 per cent increase in tool efficiency.
The solution offers benefits in three key areas: longer tool life, cleaner components and more sustainable production. Thanks to its high lubricating performance, friction and heat build-up at the cutting edge are reduced. At the same time, the low-residue formulation ensures that components emerge from the machine cleaner, eliminating the need for additional cleaning steps.
Our metalworking fluid in action on site
Prior to the full switchover, ESTRAMET S 95 was tested under real production conditions for six months. Among other things, tool life, foaming, mist formation, residues on components and the general behaviour of the cooling lubricant were monitored.
The results were measurable:
- Consumption and costs for tap and thread milling cutters fell by almost 40 per cent.
- In a regular casting run with 42 threaded holes at 3 × D, the service life of the taps increased from around 60 to 90 components.
- Coolant consumption fell from approximately one drum every two to three weeks to approximately one drum every six weeks.
- Components emerged from the machine cleaner, thereby eliminating the need for additional cleaning steps.
- Mist formation, evaporation and the smell of coolant in the production area disappeared almost completely.
- The stable foaming behaviour ensured a reliable supply of cooling lubricant and greater process reliability.
ESTRAMET S 95 thus not only improved process reliability but also the working environment. At the same time, the switch supports Numachine in its preparations for the intended ISO 14001 certification.
Gradual introduction in production
Following the successful launch, the trial was extended to two further machines. ESTRAMET S 95 was gradually added to the existing metalworking fluid. This made it possible to test compatibility without having to completely empty the tanks and without causing unnecessary downtime or incurring additional disposal costs.
After six months, Numachine began rolling out the product across all machines. Oemeta is supporting the transition through regular sampling, condition analyses and on-site technical support.
Technical support as an integral part of the solution
Alongside the product, technical support is a key component of the partnership. Oemeta regularly monitors the metalworking fluid, documents the results and supports Numachine in operating its equipment reliably and cost-effectively.
Significant savings are also evident in machine cleaning: thanks to the use of ESTRAMET S 95, the machines are considerably cleaner at the scheduled cleaning times. This has enabled cleaning efforts and the associated costs to be reduced by around 50 per cent.
Numachine Ltd.
Numachine Ltd. was founded in 2019 and specialises in the CNC machining of complex components. Among other things, the company manufactures components from castings, aluminium, stainless steel, structural steel and plastics.
Using state-of-the-art machining centres and measurement technology, Numachine supports customers in demanding sectors such as the automotive industry, medical technology and aerospace. The focus is on precision manufacturing, high repeatability, process reliability and cost-effective component production.
For more information about Numachine, visit: numachine.co.uk
Numachine on Oemeta:
“We chose Oemeta because of the technical support they offer. Ryan, a Technical Sales Engineer at Oemeta, guided us through the entire process and kept us involved at every single stage.
If anyone is looking for a new supplier of cooling lubricants, I would definitely recommend Oemeta.”
George Hawkins, Managing Director, Numachine Ltd.
United Kingdom
