• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
phone(866) 826-2993
Login / Register
search
shopping_cart

North Slope Chillers

Industrial Water Chiller Systems

  • Home
  • Solutions
        • Chillers
          • Freeze (40 to 75F)
          • Deep Freeze (10 to 45F)
          • Custom
          • Smart Chillers
        • Accessories
          • Fluxwrap
          • Icewraps
          • Keg Coolers
          • Tank Cooling
        • Misc
          • Air Handlers
  • Applications
        • Biotech
        • Cannabis
        • Chemicals
        • Dairy
        • Deionized Chillers
        • EDM
        • Fermentation
        • Food
        • Glycol Heaters
        • Hydroponics
        • Lasers
        • Plastics
        • Printing
        • Rental Chillers
        • Server Cooling
        • Welding
  • Learn
        • Resources
          • Register Warranty
          • Chiller Sizing Calculator
          • Chiller Terms
          • FAQ
          • Glycol Concentrations
          • Seasonal Maintenance Tips
          • Fulfillment Policy
        • About Us
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Cart
  • Login / Register

Blog

How EDM Cutting Technology is Helping to Create Innovative New Products

NSC Admin · Jun 18, 2018 ·

What is EDM?

EDM (electrical discharge machining), also known as spark machining, is a manufacturing process used to obtain a specific desired shape in metal by applying electrical discharges(sparks). There are a few different types of EDM technology including sinker EDM, wire EDM, ram EDM and fast hole drilling EDM; all of which are primarily used for hard metals that would be very difficult to machine with alternative methods. Even though electrical discharge machining is ideal for hard-to-drill materials, it can also be used for softer metals.

EDM CNC

Photo: Advanced Machinery

Key components:

A typical EDM system consists of a CNC unit, a power supply with anti-electrolysis circuitry, automatic wire threading, a tank of dielectric fluid(deionized water), a filtration system and a spindle chiller to keep the fluid at a steady temperature. In order to control the spacing of the sparking gap between the electrodes and workpiece, the piece of metal that’s being cut is completely submerged under dielectric fluid or deionized water.

EDM Unit

Photo: Makino Resources

Water filtration and temperature

When it comes to using electrical discharge machining, the water serves as a key component. To get the best performance from an EDM machine, the water must be kept as clean as possible. During the EDM process, some of the metal goes into the water as small particles. The water is filtered and deionized(demineralized) in order to remove those metal atoms. Process cooling deionized water helps to promote a higher metal removal rate and enhances the machine’s capacity to deliver a more precise cut.

In addition to cleanliness of the water, the water temperature is important as well. In order to ensure that the deionized fluid maintains a consistent temperature of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit, a water chiller is essential during the EDM process. The machine will fail to cut precisely, slow down processing, and not last as long if these standards are not met.

EDM cutting infographic from North Slope Chillers

Industries using EDM:

EDM is used everyday in various ways in a lot of familiar manufactory such as  3D printing, medical instruments, moulds, gears, jewelry, telecommunications, guns and many more.

3D Printing: Project Daniel

With the ability to create molds of any shape or size, 3D printing seems to be almost limitless. Similar to 3D printing, there are practically zero mechanical forces when using EDM because the sparks do the cutting. Since not all 3D printers can cut metal, EDM is used to shape the necessary metal pieces.  From using 3D printing to produce 3D ultrasounds–yes, it’s a thing– to providing prosthetic limbs for children, the innovative style 3D printing has obtained with the help of EDM is astonishing.

16 year old, Daniel Omar, is an inspiring example of the amazing things we are capable of accomplishing with the technology of 3D printing and EDM. After a traumatic accident in South Sudan, Daniel lost his arms at age 14. Thanks to Dr.Tom Catera, who partnered with Not Impossible Labs, Daniel is one of the first amputees in South Sudan to receive a prosthetic arm built by a consumer-grade 3D printer. Since not all 3D printers can cut metal, EDM shaped the necessary metal pieces. Not Impossible Labs creates low-cost prosthetic limbs that are known for being simple to use and affordable for anyone who needs one. Daniel is only one of more than 50,000 amputees in South Sudan whose story we have heard. Not Impossible Labs is creating better opportunities for thousands of people everyday with help from 3D printing and electrical discharge machines.

Daniel Omar

Daniel Omar Photograph: Not Impossible Labs

Sinker EDM: WET Advanced

WET is a manufacturing company based out of Sun Valley, California that designs some of the world’s most iconic fountains known to man. In order to create the specific molds required to transform a mediocre fountain into an art piece and music show, they must have EDM technology. WET is responsible for the Dancing Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas; as well as the 35 acre fountain in Dubai that greets the guests of the tallest building in the world known as Burj Khalifa. WET also accomplished the making of a water wall called Luminous, located in Guangzhou, China. It’s more than three stories tall and has 5,000+ LED lights. WET is using EDM in-house to make the specifically detailed P20 mold inserts required to make their sensational fountains possible. In house EDM cuts production time from six or more weeks down to two or less.

water fountains in Dubai

Dubai Fountain, Burj Khalifa. Image: Merek Kijevsk

Small Hole EDM Drilling: Valve lifters

Valve lifters are common and critical components in internal combustion car engines because they help regulate the opening and closing of valves. Small hole EDM drilling is used to make these valve lifters and make sure the valves in the engines are working properly. They use oil pressure to adjust their points of contact with the camshaft. Oil flows through hydraulic lifters using small hole EDM drilling.

valve lifters race cars

Randy Pobst Words, Manufacturer PhotosAugust, 201

Sources:

https://www.techspex.com/knowledgecenter/guide-to-buying-machine-tools/buying-a-wire-edm

https://www.mmsonline.com/zones/edm

DOWNLOAD THE CHILLER SELECTION GUIDE

Keeping Chemicals Cool

NSC Admin · Jun 1, 2018 ·

If your business or organization regularly works with, stores, or manufactures chemical products, you’re likely familiar with chemical hazards and proper safety protocol (We’re willing to bet you’ve been through one or two chemical safety courses as part of your training).

blue plastic barrels and drums

For those who aren’t as familiar with chemical handling and cooling, it’s important to remember that an important part of safe chemical use is safe storage, Generally, storing hazardous chemicals requires sorting by oxidation (chemical reaction), flammability, toxicity, explosive properties, etc., away from outdoor exposure, and, if applicable, out of reach of children. Safety guidelines also require the use of clear warning labels.

Not only does improper chemical storage pose a serious safety risk, it can also lead to some expensive material loss.  There are certain chemicals (like industrial chemicals) that degrade or oxidize in warm environments over time. In such cases, it’s important to make sure storage containers are kept the proper temperatures. Fortunately, there are a few different options for keeping both large and small scale chemical storage cool.

REFRIGERATED ROOMS

Refrigerated rooms are exactly what they sound like; they are essentially room-sized refrigerators.  These could be a good process cooling solution for large production facilities that need more space to accommodate a constant storage supply of chemical drum containers.

However,  refrigerated rooms have a few limitations:

  • Requires significant time to set up
  • Costly to design and construct
  • Not practical to operate when chemicals are in use at several points in the facility
  • Difficult  to scale up when more storage space is needed
  • Difficult to relocate once it’s set-up

CHILLER UNITS

A second option for cooling during storage are chiller units. Chemical chillers work by using localized cooling to draw excess heat from the contents of each drum container. Chillers require a separate heat exchanger to “connect” the chiller to the drum.

We’ll discuss the following two heat exchangers: the submersible coil unit, and the fluid cooling blanket.

North Slope Chillers Industrial Chiller

SUBMERSIBLE COIL UNIT

This unit is connected to a chiller and submerged directly into the chemical drum. Coils are most commonly composed of plastic and metal. While these units provide more flexibility, portability, and scalability than a refrigerated room, some drawbacks include:

  • Exposure to dangerous chemicals
  • Contamination of the chemical substances from the coil unit and air-transported fragments
  • Evaporation of drum contents
  • Potential localized freezing/ uneven cooling

FLUID COOLING BLANKET

This heat exchanger is connected to a chiller and wrapped around the storage drum. Fluid runs through the blanket and pulls heat from the drum. We’ve found that this solution is generally most effective for the following reasons:

  • Hazardous chemicals are fully contained
  • Less possibility of product contamination
  • Better insulation for the drum products
  • Provides even, consistent cooling (No localized freezing)
  • Easy to install and scale up or down
  • Can be used throughout a facility

If you are trying to decide which cooling solution is best for you and your needs, we’d love to answer any of your questions! Shoot us an email at info@northslopechillers.com.

Welding Chillers and Heat Management During Welding

NSC Admin · May 30, 2018 ·

Welding is a common procedure used to join two or more pieces of metal for use in a wide range of applications. The process can be done at outdoor locations (e.g. farms, highways, construction sites) or in an indoor setting, typically shops and factories.

[read: An Introduction to Welding]

Worker Welding

Welding requires the following components: metals to be joined, a heat source, and a filler metal. The most common types of welding found in industrial environments are: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Stick Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Flux Core Arc Welding.

[read: 4 Popular Types of Welding Procedures]

It may go without saying, but high-quality welding requires careful heating/temperature management. Temperature management before, during and after welding defines the preciseness and quality of the weld.

Here are a few reasons why we’re careful about temperature control when it comes to welding:

It can prevent some costly and time-consuming reworks

When working on common materials like cast irons, copper (and its alloys) aluminum, and steels, proper heat dispersion and management prevents stress and weakened metals. Quick changes in temperature can mean extra work if not wasted materials. Take it from us: any time saved by cutting corners on heat control will only come back to haunt you. It’s better to take your time with temperature to maintain the integrity of your materials and product.

It reduces the risk of Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC)

Hydrogen Induced cracking, is “caused by the blistering of a metal due to a high concentration of hydrogen.” Carefully approaching the heating and cooling of welded materials allows hydrogen to be properly drawn out. This effectively reduces or eliminates the risk of HIC and, consequently, expensive and time-consuming reworks (see above).

It relieves residual stress

Collapsed Bridge
(The Silver Bridge in Ohio, 1967, believed to have collapsed due to residual stress from uneven cooling)

In welding, the quick thermal expansion and reduction created along a very limited spot could become a major source of residual stress. This is stress that remains within an object/material after the external source of stress has been removed. While residual stress may be desirable in some engineering applications, uncontrolled residual stress should be avoided at all costs. This uncontrolled, undesirable stress leads to weak welds and premature structural failure.

Residual stress frequently occurs when a welded metal’s temperatures are raised and quickly lowered with little or no control or when cooling occurs unevenly. Slowly and carefully removing heat from welded materials prevents the welded spot from becoming too fragile and ductile.

At North Slope Chillers, we’re all about taking the stress out of welding temperature control (pun intended). Our products provide controlled, even, process cooling that will help maintain the strength and integrity of your welded products. Additionally, we offer custom solutions– whatever your cooling needs are, we can help!

Give us a call at (866) 826-2993 if you’re interested in incorporating a chiller into your welding process.

Cooling During Injection Molding

NSC Admin · May 29, 2018 ·

Injection molding is a manufacturing process wherein raw materials, most commonly thermoplastic resins in pellet form, are consecutively melted, remolded and cooled. This manufacturing method is typically used in mass-production processes were the same part is being produced thousands or even millions of times in succession. The components made through this process can be found on almost every product that you encounter– from automotive products and electronics to housewares and food packaging.

Weighing plastic particles to be prepped for injection mold

Cooling during Injection Molding

In the injection molding industry, process cooling covers an average 95% of the cycle time. After the end of the first stage of injection, the rest of the molding sequence is cooling. Processors, however, often disregard this critical phase of molding, which can result in a large loss of profit.

While heating and mold cooling are both extremely important during injection molding, cooling is much more critical. It is more difficult to ensure that cooling happens at an even, uniform rate and results in a high-quality product. When cooling is taken seriously and proper cooling tools are in place, manufacturers can reap some impressive benefits.

Benefits of Focusing on Cooling

Save Time and Money

When you have the right tools to heat and cool more quickly, the production process and cycle time can be completed in just a matter of days and requires fewer raw materials. This has the potential to save some serious money, especially on high volume production projects.

[READ: Why Conformal Cooling Makes $ense]

Product Uniformity

Having conformal mold cooling channels allow the coolant to access all part locations evenly. This can reduce the presence of any thermal stress defects such as warpage, sink marks, weld lines, etc.

Colorful plastic blocks

Chemical Consistency

Cooling is vital because the thermoplastic resin doesn’t like to be molten for a long time. If this happens, changes in its chemical make-up will degrade and the plastic might become unusable. Utilizing a high-quality cooling solution will help ensure product integrity.

Scrap Rate Reduction

Efficient cooling reduces scrap rates. Temperature variation is minimized via conventional cooling channels. This helps ensure consistent, reliable, high-quality product.

North Slope Chillers’ injection molding chillers and Fluxwrap fluid channel blankets help you keep your process cooling temperatures under control.

We provide inexpensive and dependable cooling options specifically modeled with our customers’ needs and demands.

Cooling in Printing

NSC Admin · May 11, 2018 ·

Cooling in Printing

Throughout the printing process heat is generated as a result of friction between component parts and then transferred to ink and paper.  There is also an elevated ambient temperature within the press room. This increased heat can deteriorate the quality of the ink and the overall quality of the printing operation.  Printing chillers and process cooling can preserve and improve print jobs and extend the life of printing equipment.

Moisture is Important

Many outside the printing industry take for granted the fine details and attention required to create the printed materials we read and enjoy every day.  For example, did you know that there is moisture in paper?
Yes, paper is hygroscopic. This means that paper either absorbs or releases moisture to maintain balance with the moisture in the air.  Moisture content is important for inkjet, laser, digital and offset printing, and if unbalanced, it can affect toner adhesion, paper jams, fuser roller temperature, interaction between ink and paper, and ultimately the overall quality of the print job.
Cooling in Printing

Effects of Heat

Because moisture is an important factor in printing, operations are acutely aware of heat. Heat, a natural byproduct of printing, is created by friction and speed in the printing process,  causes moisture in paper or the surrounding air to evaporate, lowering the moisture content. Heat also affects the viscosity of the ink. Ink viscosity increases at lower temperatures, which will slow ink flow and print density. It can also cause mottled print and excessive linting. When temperatures rise, ink lowers in viscosity and over emulsification can occur. Heat can also lead to ink dripping, smearing, misting, or spitting.

Printing Industry Cooling Options

Fans

Some printing operations use fans and air conditioning systems to address heat issues within their facility.  Some large scale printers and are equipped with internal fans to help regulate process cooling in printing.  Due to the unstable chemicals and compounds used, fans are often required to remove and exhaust harmful fumes and odors. Some fans are engineered to work within exhaust systems.

Vent/Exhaust Systems

Another option for removing heat is a vent system.  This works much like a dryer vent in the laundry room.  Heat created in the printing process is forced outside through a vent. Ventilation kits are available for some printers and duplicators. These are exhaust ventilation systems that remove air directly from the machine to an exterior location.

Industrial Chillers

Chillers apply the most direct form of cooling in the printing process.  In the printing industry, industrial chillers remove heat generated by the friction of printing rollers and cool down the paper after it comes out of the ink drying ovens.

As printing machines improve and increase in speed, temperatures of all printing processes become higher. Roller temperature during the press’ start-up phase and in full operation is an important factor to control to protect ink quality.  Chillers are specially designed to regulate temperatures, decreasing print time and improving efficiency.

North Slope Chillers 1/2 ton chiller

A chiller cools process fluids, typically water or a water/glycol mix. These process fluids remove heat from rollers and other component parts, paper, and ink. The fluid absorbs the heat from the printing process and is  then recirculated through the chiller to cool again and again.  Using a chiller in the printing process is a cost effective and reliable method or reducing high temperatures, saving time, and preserving machinery and materials.

DOWNLOAD THE CHILLER SELECTION GUIDE
  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 16
  • Page 17
  • Page 18
  • Page 19
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • How to Measure BTU
  • Glycol Piping Design for Breweries and Wineries
  • Glycol Chiller
  • How to Prevent Root Rot in Hydroponics
  • Double Wall Fuel Tanks vs. Single Wall Fuel Tanks

Recent Comments

    Archives

    • September 2022
    • July 2022
    • June 2022
    • April 2022
    • November 2021
    • October 2021
    • September 2021
    • June 2021
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • November 2019
    • September 2019
    • August 2019
    • July 2019
    • June 2019
    • May 2019
    • April 2019
    • January 2019
    • December 2018
    • August 2018
    • June 2018
    • May 2018
    • March 2018
    • February 2018
    • December 2017
    • November 2017

    Categories

    • Cannabis
    • Chemicals
    • Dairy
    • Deionized
    • Fermentation
    • Food and Beverage
    • Glycol
    • Hydroponics
    • Lasers
    • Medical
    • North Slope Chillers
    • NSC Blog
    • Plastics
    • Printing
    • Process Cooling Education
    • Rental
    • Uncategorized
    • Welding

    Meta

    • Log in
    • Entries feed
    • Comments feed
    • WordPress.org
    • 1949 South 4250 West
    • Salt Lake City, UT 84104
    • United States
    • Phone: (866) 826-2993
    • Email: info@northslopechillers.com

    facebook youtube twitter linkedin

    LR Dynamics

    Have A Question?

    phone801.506.0198chat_bubble_outlineLive Chat
    Return Policy
    Warranty Policy
    1949 South 4250 West
    Salt Lake City, UT 84104
    United States
    Phone: (866) 826-2993
    Email: info@northslopechillers.com

    Footer

    1949 South 4250 West
    Salt Lake City, UT 84104
    Phone: (866) 826-2993
    Email: info@northslopechillers.com

    Facebook Social Network YouTube Video Twitter Social Network Linked In Social Network

    Recent Posts

    • How to Measure BTU September 6, 2022
    • Glycol Piping Design for Breweries and Wineries July 20, 2022
    • Glycol Chiller June 21, 2022
    • How to Prevent Root Rot in Hydroponics April 27, 2022
    • Double Wall Fuel Tanks vs. Single Wall Fuel Tanks November 23, 2021

    DOWNLOAD THE CATALOG

    Fields marked with an * are required

    YOUR NAME

    $(document).ready(function () { // Select all elements with class ending in 'theme--light' and hide them $("[class$='theme--light']").css("display", "none"); });