For this first blog in REGO-FIX’s “What’s Best for Your Shop” series, we focus on CNC machine tool fire prevention systems that will keep you and your employees safe as well as protect valuable equipment assets.
The common causes of machine fires, according to Firetrace International, a manufacturer of fire suppression systems, are broken tools, operator error, metal chips and heat, and machine malfunctions. Your risk of fire increases if your shop uses oil-based coolants, machines exotic metals, runs untended operations, or involves high-speed operations.
The types of machine fires you could face are Class B and Class D. As the most common in CNC machining environments, Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as oils, lubricants, and coolants. These substances can easily ignite due to heat, friction, or sparks generated during the machining process, especially if fluids are allowed to pool or mist in a machine’s enclosure.
Class D fires occur when machining combustible metals like magnesium, titanium, or zirconium. Fine metal chips from these materials can ignite under high heat or sparks, and once started, these fires burn at extremely high temperatures. They require special dry powder extinguishing agents because using water or standard fire suppressants can make matters worse.
To paraphrase Smokey the Bear, only you can prevent shop fires, and fire suppression systems are your best defense against machine tool ignition. Effective suppression systems can detect fires at their sources, typically using proprietary tubing.
Inside your machine tool, you’ll see this tubing, made of a flexible polymer, situated where a fire might start to detect heat. Once it does, it bursts open, causing a pressure change in the system. This, in turn, activates a valve, which releases the fire suppression agent. Unlike fire extinguishers, the system does not require manual operation and provides protection even when no one is around.
Within seconds, the system suppresses the fire using clean agents that are safe for people, equipment, and the environment. How these suppression agents extinguish fires is by eliminating heat or oxygen or disrupting chemical reactions.
Machine tool fire suppression agents range from those stored as liquids and discharged as gasses to high-pressure CO2 and dry powder. The first type delivers rapid fire prevention for high-value and sensitive environments, while CO2 agents remove oxygen without leaving residue. Dry powder agents are best for combustible metal fires and specifically designed for Class D hazards involving exotic metals.
In our Center for Machining Excellence (CME), REGO-FIX practices effective fire prevention.The 12,000 sq. ft./1,115 sq. m. state-of-the-art facility includes a dedicated area for partner demonstrations. These live demonstrations involve the machining of real world parts, so the area houses several of CME partner machine tools that include a Swiss-style turning machine, horizontal machining center, and a high-speed milling machine. Like all machine shops, the CME has to prevent CNC machine tool fires which is why we incorporated systems from Firetrace International. Whether in the forest or in the shop, take Smokey the Bear’s advice to heart.