{"id":641,"date":"2022-06-17T19:29:18","date_gmt":"2022-06-17T19:29:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.masterfluidsolutions.com\/blog\/?p=641"},"modified":"2024-03-04T10:31:50","modified_gmt":"2024-03-04T14:31:50","slug":"what-to-look-for-in-coolant-for-lights-out-machining","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.masterfluids.com\/blog\/2022\/06\/17\/what-to-look-for-in-coolant-for-lights-out-machining\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Look for In Coolant for Lights-Out Machining"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As manufacturers continue recovering from the COVID-19 shutdown and supply chain disruptions, they\u2019re looking for ways to bolster resilience. Automation has always been one of the primary avenues for improving efficiency and profit margins, but now it may be instrumental to survival. A recent survey shows 90% of companies have embraced the digital transformation<\/a> to mitigate the risks that have surfaced over the past few years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many look to \u201clights-out\u201d manufacturing as an operational end goal. In this paradigm, a minimal workforce maintains the machinery needed for unmanned production, as well as the technology involved in managing it. Workers could essentially turn the lights out and leave for the evening while automated machinery continues production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lights-out manufacturing offers many benefits, including incredible cost savings from reduced labor utilization, dramatically higher output, and more flexible schedules. However, these capabilities are still a strategic goal for many companies just beginning their pivot to automation. Manufacturers have many equipment and material considerations to take into account before making lights-out production a reality, including their selection and management of cutting fluid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Manufacturers Need for Lights-Out Machining<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Achieving lights-out manufacturing requires significant investment in machinery and technology. Management will also need to overhaul many processes, including cutting fluid management, and train employees to work with robotics and automation software. Here\u2019s what manufacturers will need to achieve lights-out automation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n