Precision engineers M. Thornton Engineering Ltd. are the latest company to see the attraction of magnets. They are now benefiting from integrating both Eclipse Magnetics magnetic lifters and magnetic filters into their manufacturing processes.
Based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, the family-run business provides sub-contract precision services such as CNC turning, CNC milling, and wire erosion. They serve a wide variety of markets, manufacturing steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and nickel alloy components for sectors such as environmental, transmission, hydraulics, and 3D printing.
They first approached Eclipse Magnetics when they were looking for a safe, efficient method of moving steel blocks and tools on a hoist system around their workshop. They were supplied with two Ultralift+ 250-kg magnetic lifters. The Ultralift+ requires only single-face access to the load and only single-person operation using the standard engage/release handle. The integral safety mechanisms mean the load cannot be released while in mid-lift, which was an appealing factor to the health and safety-conscious company.
They also recognised that the key to achieving improvements was cleaner machine tool fluids and decided to trial the Eclipse Magnetics Micromag magnetic filter. Micromags were installed on two Hartford Power-Centre Pro 1000 vertical milling machines. The filters were fitted on the return from the tank to the machine just before the through coolant pump and cartridge filter.
