Aurion clean-tech machining solution

Aurion Machining Technologies has developed a clean-tech machining solution using ionised air as an alternative for metal working fluids and emulsions in parts manufacturing. Ionised air is suitable for achieving high-quality machining results; it is also environmentally friendly. The technology is designed to comply with modern sustainability regulations which require end-to-end clean-tech solutions.

Disposal of used cutting fluids causes significant environmental contamination. Cutting fluid treatment and its release into the environment can lead to significant oxygen depletion and nutrient destruction in surface waters. The core of the Aurion technology is in the ionised air which generates an electrochemical process resulting in electron loss and atomic level transformation of Aurion gas medium at the cutting surface. The electrochemical process acts as a dry lubricant in the cutting process, penetrating the cutting zone and optimising the interaction between the tool edge and the workpiece. This process accelerates oxide layer formation and reduces the friction, thermal stress and tool wear.

The system consists of three components — ioniser, controller and air-cooling unit. The system is connected to the factory compressed air network and machinery CNC. There is no need for any special safety precautions as ionised air pressure remains at 2–3 bar and temperature in the -10 to +10°C during machining operations.

The system is designed to reduce manufacturing costs and lead times in workshop processes. The technology is also suitable for all machining applications and materials. It is easy to integrate to both existing and new machines, either by using the external piping to the cutting zone or by using existing coolant channels in standard toolholders and tools.

High integration flexibility and the possibility to use existing machine tool features minimises the up-front investment and limits the transition costs for introduction of the Aurion technology.