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| New ASTM Main Committee F35 on Compatibility of Machine Tool Components
with Industrial Lubricants
Feature: Standards for Machine Tools Feature: Machine Tool Safety Glass When a machine is comprised of dozens of parts working together at high speeds, and various manufacturers are making those parts well—but making them their own way—that machine is ripe for standardization. The machine tool industry presents a classic need for standardization. Machine tools are large, enclosed automated machines that can turn, mill, and laser cut metals into precision parts for heavy equipment and other complex machinery. With spindles, polyurethane vision panels, metal parts and metal-working fluids, and other lubricants working together at high speeds, compatibility among these parts is critical. The wear that comes from incompatibility can halt productivity and create safety problems for nearby workers. Only recently have machine tools become the norm in shops around the country. The industry’s well-meaning but uncoordinated attempts so far to address compatibility issues with largely company-based standards has now resulted in the need for all stakeholders to come together. The machine tool industry has chosen to develop standards within ASTM International, and formed new Main Committee F35 on Compatibility of Machine Tool Components with Industrial Lubricants. While ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants creates standards for the performance of lubricants and metalworking fluids, F35 will focus on the interaction of those lubricants and fluids with components of the machine tool. Additionally, F35 will offer stakeholders an opportunity to come together to standardize the various components of machine tools themselves. Planned areas of standardization currently include: • Vision panel installation; See the feature articles by Yusuf Venjara (Hitachi-Seiki, USA) and Ray LeFavor (MachGlass International) for more information. Copyright 2002, ASTM |
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