“ Do I really need to replace the return line filter? My machine is running fine now ” - one of Arburg injection moulding machine users asked me.
It is a used machine installed in India 7 years back and they never replaced the filter so far. Last month I fixed up a very critical PLC problem and put the machine in production. I informed them to replace the filter and get the hydraulic pump serviced from the authorized service center, as the pump noise was abnormal and loud. After 2 weeks time they faced short filling problem; pressure drop problem during charging and injection. Hence I again informed them to check its filter. They might have cleaned the filter and the machine started running all right again.
The point is that nobody wants to execute the maintenance schedule prescribed for the filter-change and oil-change by the machine manufacturer.
This return line filter is a fine filter element and hence cannot be cleaned and reused. I know one Arburg IMM user, who never listened to me; they used to clean and reuse the filters. Naturally they had to face the consequences soon; main pump of both machines broke down very badly. They had to purchase 1 new pump; for second pump they had to spend a lot on spare parts.
This filter is located at the rear side of the machine inside a housing. It filters out all abrasion tailings and contaminant from the oil circuit and provides clean oil to the pump thus reducing contaminant generated wear. A pressure switch on the housing assembly tells us the health of filter. Some time this pressure switch does not work or become defective after ageing and it can not indicate any alarm even when the filter is choked.
For Arburg injection moulding machine return line filter need to be replaced with a new one at definite interval of time or whenever the machine gives Error oil filter S87 / dirt filter.
For K, H , D and M models the Arburg part number is 28.993. It has to be replaced after 1000 working hours of pump or after 3 months time.
For C, CS,S models the Arburg part number is 115.311. It has to be replaced after 5000 working hours of pump or after 3 months time.
As a thumb rule the most of the Arburg IMM users replace the filter at least once a year and replace the whole machine oil after 3 years. This keeps the health of hydraulic pump and hydraulic system in sound state. Due to less wear and tear, the pump can have minor problems that can be rectified with less time and money.
I have noticed during Arburg machine hydraulic pressure and flow calibration that a jammed filter creates excessive pressure on the pump (although a check valve is provided for alternate passage of flow when the filter is choked) and further pump wear and tear. The pressure spikes were measured as 250 bar to 280 bar whereas the pump can withstand 200 bar. However nobody notice this as the machine continues to somehow work until the pump breakdowns completely. In such condition the time and money spent for pump repair is enormous; may need to go for new pump.
So it is wise enough to adhere to the maintenance schedule prescribed by the manufacturer and enhance the machine productivity and life.
It is a used machine installed in India 7 years back and they never replaced the filter so far. Last month I fixed up a very critical PLC problem and put the machine in production. I informed them to replace the filter and get the hydraulic pump serviced from the authorized service center, as the pump noise was abnormal and loud. After 2 weeks time they faced short filling problem; pressure drop problem during charging and injection. Hence I again informed them to check its filter. They might have cleaned the filter and the machine started running all right again.
The point is that nobody wants to execute the maintenance schedule prescribed for the filter-change and oil-change by the machine manufacturer.
This return line filter is a fine filter element and hence cannot be cleaned and reused. I know one Arburg IMM user, who never listened to me; they used to clean and reuse the filters. Naturally they had to face the consequences soon; main pump of both machines broke down very badly. They had to purchase 1 new pump; for second pump they had to spend a lot on spare parts.
This filter is located at the rear side of the machine inside a housing. It filters out all abrasion tailings and contaminant from the oil circuit and provides clean oil to the pump thus reducing contaminant generated wear. A pressure switch on the housing assembly tells us the health of filter. Some time this pressure switch does not work or become defective after ageing and it can not indicate any alarm even when the filter is choked.
For Arburg injection moulding machine return line filter need to be replaced with a new one at definite interval of time or whenever the machine gives Error oil filter S87 / dirt filter.
For K, H , D and M models the Arburg part number is 28.993. It has to be replaced after 1000 working hours of pump or after 3 months time.
For C, CS,S models the Arburg part number is 115.311. It has to be replaced after 5000 working hours of pump or after 3 months time.
As a thumb rule the most of the Arburg IMM users replace the filter at least once a year and replace the whole machine oil after 3 years. This keeps the health of hydraulic pump and hydraulic system in sound state. Due to less wear and tear, the pump can have minor problems that can be rectified with less time and money.
I have noticed during Arburg machine hydraulic pressure and flow calibration that a jammed filter creates excessive pressure on the pump (although a check valve is provided for alternate passage of flow when the filter is choked) and further pump wear and tear. The pressure spikes were measured as 250 bar to 280 bar whereas the pump can withstand 200 bar. However nobody notice this as the machine continues to somehow work until the pump breakdowns completely. In such condition the time and money spent for pump repair is enormous; may need to go for new pump.
So it is wise enough to adhere to the maintenance schedule prescribed by the manufacturer and enhance the machine productivity and life.
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