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Tribur & Blaser Swisslube:
Partnership maximizes productivity
After an intensive analysis and test phase, Tribur Invent GmbH switched production at the company headquarters in Hünenberg on Lake Zug in Switzerland to the Blaser metalworking fluid B-Cool 755. The leverage effect of the “Liquid Tool” was impressive: the longer coolant sump life and the 25 to 35 percent reduction in tool wear resulted in cost savings and increased productivity. The comprehensive cooperation, from coolant monitoring to technical seminars, is to be expanded in the future with automation solutions.
Tribur Invent GmbH is based in the municipality of Hünenberg in the canton of Zug, very close to Lake Zug. The company, which employs 34 people, works as a manufacturer for its sister company Triag International AG, an internationally active clamping technology specialist. The company manufactures precise parts from steel, aluminum and other materials using machining processes. The machinery at the company, which has been in existence for 29 years, is state-of-the-art: Two horizontal machining centers, a 5-axis milling center, a vertical milling center and other milling and (surface) grinding machines as well as a CNC lathe are in use in the factory halls.

In 2022, the production managers at Tribur Invent GmbH contacted Blaser Swisslube because they were interested in monitoring the metalworking fluid used with the help of sensors. In initial discussions, it quickly became clear that a more detailed analysis on site could reveal greater potential: “Blaser Swisslube is not just a supplier of metalworking fluids, but a productivity partner. In our analysis, we pursue a holistic approach with the aim of optimising the customer’s profitability,” reports Hans-Peter Dubach, application engineer at Blaser Swisslube.

tribur_and_blaser_during_the_test_phase
tribur_and_blaser_swisslube_conducted_successful_tests
On site in Hünenberg, the production was put under the microscope: Processes, materials, tools, machines, working environment, water quality – every factor, however small, can make a difference.

“Based on the in-depth analysis and after consultation with our laboratory specialists, we recommended the use of the water-miscible coolant B-Cool 755,” explains Hans-Peter. B-Cool 755, originally developed for machining aluminum and aluminum alloys, delivers outstanding performance even with a demanding mix of materials. Hans-Peter: “Whether soft or hard aluminum alloys, titanium, nickel-based alloys, heat-resistant steels or INOX – you can rely on B-Cool 755. The chlorine-free, mineral oil-based product is characterized by its low foaming, good stability and good ferro-corrosion protection properties.” The high stability of the emulsion ensures a long sump life, while the outstanding rinsing behavior leads to extremely low consumption. B-Cool 755 is ideal for high cutting speeds and high-pressure applications.

Clearly defined goals
In a twelve-month test phase, the impact of the new coolant on the productivity of Tribur Invent GmbH was examined. The qualitative and quantitative improvement goals were clearly defined: The new product was to be characterized by a pleasant smell in the production, be universally applicable, have good skin compatibility and not form foam. In addition, savings were to be achieved through a longer coolant service life, less consumption and better tool life.
Resounding test success
“With the new metalworking fluid, we have taken a decisive step forward in all these areas,” says Tribur employee Matthias Salzmann. “We were able to double the service life of the coolant from 12 to 24 months and the coolant costs were also reduced.” Most importantly, however, the expert emphasizes the improvements in tool life. “We examined tool life and tool wear in comparative tests. By using B-Cool 755, we were able to reduce tool wear by around 25 to 35 percent and thus significantly increase tool life,” Salzmann is pleased to report.

The collaboration between Tribur Invent GmbH and the productivity partner Blaser Swisslube is multifaceted. The coolant specialists from Blaser not only regularly monitor and analyze the metalworking fluid, but also provide customer service and Remote Care, logistics, empty container return and disposal, as well as free specialized seminars. In monitoring the coolant, the sensor from Blaser’s sister company Liquidtool Systems is in use, which delivers real-time data on fill level, temperature, and concentration. Regarding automation, Matthias Salzmann still sees optimization potential: “With the Liquidtool AutoPilot, a service from Blaser Swisslube, an innovative solution is ready that will definitely be interesting for us. The AutoPilot can independently replenish the coolant, thereby achieving the highest stability and process security. Manual refilling will then be eliminated, which will relieve our employees.”
Tribur Invent GmbH and Blaser Swisslube are planning to continue and deepen their already successful collaboration. Together, they aim to further exploit the potential and maximize economic efficiency and quality in Tribur’s production.

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