Filtration für Wekzeugmaschinen und Metallverarbeitung

Filtration for Machine tools and Metalworking I FILCOM

The machine tool and metalworking industries place the highest demands on precision, process reliability, and plant availability. Turning, milling, drilling, and grinding inevitably generate chips, abrasion, fine particles, and oil and emulsion mist, which directly impact the machining process and machine performance.

Filtration is a central component of production in this sector. It ensures that cooling lubricants, hydraulic oils, and process air are continuously purified of contaminants. Only with clean, conditioned media can tool wear be minimized, sensitive machine components protected, and consistent machining quality guaranteed.

A crucial factor is adherence to defined ISO cleanliness classes, such as ISO 4406 for hydraulic and lubricating oils. These standards ensure that particle concentrations in the fluid remain consistently at a controlled level, enabling the reliable operation of sensitive drive systems.

Modern filtration thus makes a significant contribution to extending the service life of tools, filters, and machine components. At the same time, it reduces the risk of unplanned malfunctions and significantly minimizes machine downtime, thereby sustainably improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

At the same time, modern filter technology makes a significant contribution to the efficiency and sustainability of metalworking. The treatment and reuse of cooling lubricants reduces media consumption and operating costs, while the separation of dust and oil aerosols ensures clean, safe working environments.

Filtration is therefore far more than just a supporting function: it forms the basis for stable processes, defined cleanliness classes, extended service life, and reduced downtime in a high-performing, competitive machine tool industry.

Efficient filtration for machine tools is the focus

Clean fluids and ambient air – with energy-efficient filtration solutions in production facilities

Industry applications in the machine tool industry

Filtration solutions for media, emissions, and drive systems in machine tools

Getriebeölfiltration in der Werkzeugmaschinenindustrie

Gear oil filtration

Hydraulic drives in machine tools require clean, high-quality oil to ensure precise movements and a long service life for the components. Even the finest particles can lead to malfunctions, performance losses, or premature wear.

High-performance filtration ensures that defined ISO cleanliness classes according to ISO 4406 are consistently maintained. This protects sensitive valves, pumps, and bearings and significantly contributes to extending the service life of drive systems.

Pressure filters, ventilation filters, and dual-switch filters ensure the necessary oil purity at all times – even during continuous operation and under high loads. At the same time, redundant filter systems enable maintenance work to be carried out without interrupting production and help to prevent machine downtime.

Related products

Pressure filters

Air breathers

Duplex filters

Kühlschmierstofffiltration in der Werkzeugmaschinenidnustrie

Coolants filtration

Coolants cool, lubricate, and flush the machining zone and remove chips. Especially with internally cooled tools and high-pressure systems, the purity of the coolant is crucial for process reliability and tool life.

Efficient filtration removes chips, fine particles, and abrasion from the coolant, ensuring consistent machining quality. At the same time, it extends the service life of tools and coolants, reducing maintenance and unplanned production downtime.

Modern systems combine self-cleaning automatic filters with disposable depth filters to ensure reliable filtration even under extreme conditions. Dual-switching filters enable uninterrupted operation by seamlessly taking over during filter changes—a significant contribution to minimizing machine downtime.

Related products

Automatic filters

Duplex filters

Industrielle Luftreinhaltung in der Werkzeugmaschinenindustrie

Industrial air pollution control

Dry machining or minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) processes—especially when machining gray cast iron—generate highly abrasive chips and a high proportion of fine dust. These particles pose a significant burden on machines and the environment.

High-performance dust extraction and dust collection systems with star-pleated filter elements and patented cleaning systems ensure effective particle separation. The gentle cleaning of the filter elements guarantees maximum service life and consistent extraction performance.

A clean production environment also reduces deposits on machine components and electronics, thus indirectly contributing to the prevention of machine downtime.

Related products

Dust filtration

Ölaerosolabscheidung in der Werkzeugmaschinenindustrie

Oil aerosol separation

When cutting, grinding, or drilling oils are used in machine tools, fine oil aerosols are generated that can settle in the machine environment or be released into the exhaust air.

Closed-loop oil aerosol separators enable decentralized, highly efficient separation of these emissions directly at the machine. The purified air is returned to the production area, while the separated oils are reused in the process.

In addition to improving air quality, separation also helps protect sensitive machine components and controls, thereby reducing contamination-related failures and machine downtime.

Advantages

  • Clean working environment
  • Protection of machinery and electronics
  • Compliance with legal environmental and occupational safety regulations
  • Recovery of valuable cooling lubricants
  • Extended service life of filters and machine components
  • Reduction of unplanned machine downtime

Related products

Oil aerosol separator

Unsere Marken für die Werkzeugmaschinenindustrie

Starke Partner für Filtrationslösungen 

Logo Filtration Group

Filtration Group GmbH

Filtration Group Industrial is a leading global provider of high-quality filtration solutions for industrial applications. The company develops and manufactures innovative filters, filter elements, and complete system solutions for hydraulic and lubricating oil applications, process and cooling media, air and gas filtration, and numerous other areas of application. With comprehensive engineering expertise, application-specific consulting, and a clear focus on quality, Filtration Group Industrial supports its customers in protecting equipment, reducing downtime, and increasing the efficiency and sustainability of industrial processes.

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Logo Filtrec

FILTREC

FILTREC is an internationally recognized specialist in high-quality hydraulic and lubricating oil filtration. With a broad portfolio of filters, filter elements, and accessories, FILTREC offers reliable solutions for demanding industrial and mobile applications. Technical precision, uncompromising quality, and continuous innovation make FILTREC a strong partner for protecting equipment, ensuring maximum operational reliability, and providing long-lasting systems.

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Hengst Filtration GmbH

Hengst Filtration offers innovative and customized filter solutions for the industrial and automotive sectors. Hengst uses state-of-the-art technology to ensure maximum efficiency, protection, and sustainability in demanding applications – from air and liquid filters to complete systems. Quality, innovation, and environmental awareness are at the heart of everything they do.

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News from the world of filtration

Learn about innovations, tips, and industry trends

Knowledge that moves you forward

In the machine tool industry, clean processes and reliable protection against contaminants are crucial for the quality, productivity, and lifespan of your equipment.

Our blog posts offer valuable insights into the latest filtration technologies, practical maintenance tips, and innovations that will take your machines and production processes to the next level.

Discover how optimal filtration solutions help minimize downtime, reduce costs, and operate more sustainably—expert knowledge for your industry, presented concisely and at a glance.

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Downloads für die Werkzeugmaschinenindustrie

All dcouments at a glance

FILCOM Die ganze Welt der Filtration.pdf

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FG Lösungen für saubere Prozesse an Werkzeugmaschinen.pdf

Herunterladen

Hengst Filtrationsprodukte in der Anwendung.pdf

Herunterladen

FILCOM_The whole world of filtration.pdf

  Download

FG solutions for clean processes on machine tools.pdf

  Download

Hengst filtration products in use.pdf

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Your direct line to FILCOM

Consulting and service for all your filtration technology needs, tailored to your specific requirements.

Carmen Steiner

FILTRATON SALES & KEY ACCOUNTS


Olga Sigel

FILTRATION TECHNICAL CONSULTING


Nicolai Maxa

FILTRATION TECHNICAL CONSULTING


FAQ

Filtration in machine tools and metal processing

Filtration in Machine Tools

Why is filtration so important in machine tools?

Filtration ensures that cooling lubricants, hydraulic oils, and process air remain free of chips, abrasion, and fine particles. Clean media guarantee stable machining processes, protect sensitive machine components, and ensure consistently high manufacturing quality. At the same time, efficient filtration helps reduce machine downtime and increase system availability.

ISO Cleanliness Classes in Oil Filtration

What role do ISO cleanliness classes play in oil filtration?

ISO cleanliness classes—for example, according to ISO 4406—define the permissible particle concentration in hydraulic and lubricating oils. Compliance with these cleanliness classes is crucial for the reliable operation of valves, pumps, and bearings. Modern filtration systems ensure that the required oil cleanliness is maintained permanently, thereby significantly reducing wear and the risk of failure.

Extending Tool Life

How can filtration extend the service life of tools and machines?

Contaminants such as metal shavings, fine dust, or oil mist lead to increased wear on tools, bearings, and seals. Continuous filtration removes these particles from fluids and air. This reduces mechanical stress and significantly extends the service life of tools, filters, and machine components.

Reducing Machine Downtime

How does filtration help reduce machine downtime?

Contaminated coolants or hydraulic oils can lead to malfunctions, clogged lines, or damaged components. High-performance filter systems prevent such problems by reliably removing particles from the system. Additionally, redundant systems such as dual-switch filters allow maintenance to be performed during operation, minimizing unplanned machine downtime. 

Filtration Media in the Machine Tool Industry

Which media are typically filtered in the machine tool industry?

In metalworking, various media are filtered, including:

  • Cooling lubricants (emulsions and cutting oils)
  • Hydraulic and gear oils
  • Process and exhaust air from machine tools
  • Dust and fine particles from dry machining processes
  • Oil aerosols from cutting and grinding processes

Appropriate filtration ensures that these media can be reused while protecting machines, tools, and personnel.

Economic Advantages of efficient filtration

What are the economic advantages of efficient filtration?

Optimized filtration reduces media consumption, maintenance costs, and unplanned downtime. At the same time, it extends the service life of tools, machine components, and filters. This lowers operating costs while increasing productivity and process reliability in manufacturing.