Window manufacturer sees clearly with Filtermist

WITHAM-BASED Crittall Windows has implemented a series of modernisation strategies that have seen Crittall upgrade its machining division. 

One issue the company recognised from transitioning to CNC machining from older punching and stamping technology was coolant mist and fumes from the machine tools. 

"One of the biggest challenges we faced when we moved over to CNC machining was that steel profiles are not like aluminium or PVC. Steel takes longer to process and there is a lot of machining that goes on," explained Darren Joyce, production director at Crittall Windows.

"This needs a lot of coolant and this gave us an issue with the creation of fumes and in particular oil-laden fumes. We rapidly found that the factory was starting to mist up. This wasn’t a good workplace environment for our staff. Additionally, there was far too much coolant on our parts which are being welded further downstream - and this creates even more fumes.

An innovative solution

"We did a lot of investigation work and we spoke to a lot of machinery manufacturers, which brought us to Filtermist. Filtermist effectively manufacture what is a drum that centrifugally spins and removes the oil out of the air and filters it out,” he continued

"We have now installed them in all of our CNC machining centres. The Filtermist FX5002 unit successfully spins the oil out of the air, but we have taken that a step further. We have modified further, so we are recycling that oil and using it on our flood-based coolant machines, extending the service life of the oil."

Crittall has gone from not knowing the Filtermist brand to having 12 of its FX5002units installed in less than a year. Furthermore, Crittall has specified the Filtermist units with an F Monitor 2 that gives customers live readings of the Filtermist systems’ efficiency level - notifying staff when service and maintenance is required. 

The Filtermist FX5002 is a popular model that is powered by an extremely efficient 1.5kW 60Hz motor that generates an airflow rate of 2000m³/hr at 60Hz. Exceptionally easy to install, operate and maintain, the Filtermist FX5002 is a compact 357mm diameter unit with a height of just 613mm (751.50mm with an after-filter unit).

Improving workplace health and safety

Commenting upon the evident changes the Filtermist systems have made to the working environment at Crittall, Joyce reported: "Not long after installation, we could see the difference. We could see the mist clouds dissipating. The health and safety and well-being of employees have always been our number one priority.

"The localised filtration of oil out of the air by Filtermist was so important - that is where we have seen the biggest improvement. There is no longer any oil on employees' clothes, on their hands, faces or on the workpieces and it's not on the floor. So, it’s a much nicer environment and a healthier place for our staff to work in. We have also seen a significant improvement in the air quality checks that we do every year."

For more information:

www.filtermist.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)1952 290500