Cooling lubricant filtration KSS microfiltration as an integral part of modern production

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Cooling lubricant microfiltration is becoming a decisive performance factor in modern metalworking. Vomat’s modular full-flow systems show how ultra-fine filtration, demand-based backwashing and precise temperature control can stabilise grinding processes, extend tool life and reduce scrap.

In modern metalworking, the quality of the cooling lubricant (KSS) not only determines the service life of the tools, it also influences the entire value chain. Full-flow microfiltration, intelligent control, and temperature-optimized processes make KSS management a key lever for efficiency, product quality, and sustainability. With its modular microfiltration systems, filter specialist Vomat from Treuen demonstrates how filter technology today not only “cleans,” but also actively contributes to the optimization of the entire production process.

In many companies, cooling lubricant management is still regarded merely as a necessary peripheral task. However, the purity of the cooling lubricant has a direct and measurable impact on key performance indicators such as scrap rates, machine availability, tool costs, and energy consumption. Modern, integrated cooling lubricant management therefore includes continuous fine filtration in full flow, constant-temperature cooling, demand-based operation of pumps and filter elements, and well-thought-out concepts for waste disposal and recycling.

These components interact particularly closely in tool grinding: the cleaner the grinding oil and the more stable the temperature, the better the geometry, surface quality, and service life can be reproduced. At the same time, cooling lubricants remain in the system for significantly longer, which reduces costs for replacement, storage, and disposal.

How Vomat systems optimize the entire process chain

Steffen Strobel, Technical Sales Manager at Vomat: “Vomat deliberately positions itself not only as a filter supplier, but as a solution provider for the entire cooling lubricant periphery in metalworking. We supply everything from individual to large-scale industrial central systems. And they all offer the same advantages.”

• Full-flow ultra-fine filtration with constant purity: Vomat fine filtration systems separate dirty and clean oil 100 percent in a full-flow process and achieve purity classes of NAS 7 (3 to 5 µm). This ensures that extremely clean cooling lubricants are permanently available for the grinding process – a decisive factor for dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and tool life.

• Demand-based backwashing and energy efficiency: The degree of contamination of each filter element is monitored; backwash cycles only run when they are actually necessary. While one element is being backwashed, the others continue to ensure a continuous supply of clean oil. This extends the service life of the filter elements, reduces energy consumption, and prevents process interruptions.

• Temperature-stable processes for µ-precise quality: In addition to filtration, Vomat offers integrated cooling concepts that keep the cooling lubricant within a narrow tolerance range (up to approx. ±0.2 to 0.5 K, depending on the design). This minimizes thermal influences on the tool and workpiece – a must for demanding grinding processes with tight tolerances.

Modular systems for every size of operation

From individual FA systems to central ZFA systems with outputs in the four to five-digit liter range per minute: the modular concepts can be tailored precisely to machining volumes, machine configurations, and future expansions. This transforms filtration from an isolated unit into strategic infrastructure: cooling lubricant microfiltration, cooling, and recyclable material processing are planned as an integrated system and contribute directly to OEE, TCO, and process reliability.

Clean processes, better parts: Quality gains through ultra-fine filtration

Clean processes mean better parts, because ultra-fine filtration has a direct impact on product quality. Contaminants in the cooling lubricant act like an invisible abrasive in the circuit during everyday production: they cause scoring, unclean cutting edges, thermal damage, and increased wear on grinding wheels and machine parts. Conversely, consistently clean cooling lubricants offer several quality advantages: dimensional accuracy and surface quality increase thanks to stable removal rates and homogeneous heat dissipation. Tool life is extended due to reduced abrasive wear, and scrap and rework are significantly reduced thanks to reproducible grinding conditions. At the same time, machine downtime is reduced because components such as spindles, seals, and valves are subjected to less stress. Clean machining processes thus directly contribute to delivery quality, adherence to delivery dates, and competitiveness — both in series production and in precision toolmaking.

Ultrafine filtration is core technology, not an accessory

Ultrafine filtration of cooling lubricants is not just a “filter box next to the machine.” As an integral part of a well-designed cooling lubricant management system, it influences product quality, productivity, energy consumption, and sustainability throughout the entire production process.

Steffen Strobel: "Vomat systems demonstrate how modern filter technology can be applied in practice: full-flow ultra-fine filtration to 3 to 5 µm, demand-based backwashing, precise temperature control, and modular system architecture transform cooling lubricant peripherals into a performance factor for the entire production chain. For grinding companies and tool manufacturers, this means that those who think strategically about fine filtration lay the foundation for stable, high-performance processes and secure a decisive advantage in a demanding market environment."

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