Quantum Lubrication Integrated System by UNIST
PRECISION CNC LUBRICATION WITH INTEGRATED DIGITAL CONTROL
The UNIST Quantum™ is a Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) system designed to integrate directly with CNC machines and their controllers. It provides precise control over lubricant application and air flow, allowing lubrication parameters to be adapted to different machining operations.
With discrete control inputs and an RS-232 serial interface, the Quantum™ can be integrated with the machine program to automate lubrication, recall settings for different jobs, and monitor critical process conditions.
With up to 6 outputs, nozzles capable of both lubrication and air blow-off, and monitoring of fluid flow, air pressure, and fluid level, the Quantum™ provides advanced control for automated CNC applications and complex machining processes.
An Advanced MQL Solution for CNC Machining
The Quantum™ provides an alternative to manual lubrication and, where appropriate, conventional flood coolant systems by applying a controlled minimum quantity of lubricant directly to the cutting tool/workpiece interface.
Unlike a conventional stand-alone MQL system, the Quantum™ can communicate with the CNC controller. Lubrication parameters can therefore be adapted to different stages of the machining program, applying the appropriate amount of lubricant and air when required.
PRECISE LUBRICATION CONTROL
The Quantum™ provides precise control over fluid and air output according to process requirements. Fluid output can be fine-tuned to a fraction of a drop, helping prevent over-application while maintaining consistent, repeatable lubrication.
CNC CONTROL INTEGRATION
The system can be controlled through discrete inputs or RS-232 serial communication, allowing the CNC machine to control lubrication according to the operation being performed.
JOB STORAGE
Configure, store, and easily recall up to 250 jobs. This makes production changeovers easier by allowing lubrication settings for different parts or machining operations to be quickly retrieved.
ACTIVE PROCESS MONITORING
The Quantum™ can monitor lubricant flow, air pressure, and fluid level. Alarms can alert operators when critical conditions occur, helping protect tooling, parts, and the machining process.
Benefits of the Quantum™
- Use as little as 2–4 ounces of lubricant per shift
- Improve tool life by up to 500%
- Help decrease cycle times
- Eliminate sump maintenance
- Increase the value of virtually dry chips and swarf
- Track fluid usage
- Integrate directly with CNC controls
- Store up to 250 jobs
- Configure up to 6 lubrication or air blow-off outputs
- Monitor critical process conditions
Lubrication Control Tailored to Each Machining Operation
The Quantum™ allows lubricant quantity and air flow to be adapted to different stages of a CNC program. Roughing, finishing, drilling, tapping, and other operations can therefore use different lubrication parameters according to their requirements.
PRECISION LUBRICATION
UNIST positive-displacement pumps provide precise and repeatable fluid application. Up to six outputs can be configured to deliver lubricant where it is required throughout the process.
LUBRICATION AND AIR BLOW-OFF
Dual-use nozzles can apply lubricant and then provide an air blast to help clear chips from the cutting area. Both functions can therefore be performed with a single nozzle in the machine workspace.
FLUID USAGE TRACKING
Digitally controlled output provides greater visibility into the amount of lubricant being dispensed and allows fluid usage to be tracked throughout the process.
Quantum™ Features
Complete CNC integration
Control lubrication with direct inputs or rubust serial interface
Active monitoring
Alerts to informs operators and stop machines when critical issues arise
Job storage
Set-up, store, and easily switch between 250 jobs
Dual use nozzle
A single nozzle can perform as both a lubricant output and air blow-off to clear chips
Automatic refilling
The Quantum’s™ optional automatic reservoir refill feature keeps your system full
Lifetime Pump Warranty
Unist pumps are warrantied for life when used exclusively with Unist lubricants
Quantum™ Applications
The Quantum™ is particularly well suited for automated processes requiring precise lubrication control and machine integration.
CNC MILLING
CNC machines equipped with compatible RS-232 communication can use their programs to control the Quantum™. Lubricant output, air flow, and air blow-off can be adjusted for different operations, including using air to help clear chips from pockets.
CNC TURNING
Le Quantum™ peut utiliser les passages de liquide de coupe existants de certaines machines pour acheminer un brouillard de lubrifiant contrôlé directement vers l’arête de coupe. Le MQL permet également d’obtenir des copeaux pratiquement secs, facilitant leur manipulation et réduisant les besoins liés à l’entretien du liquide de coupe.
AUTOMATED MACHINING
Digital control, job storage, and active monitoring make the Quantum™ particularly suitable for automated processes where repeatability and lubrication process monitoring are important.
Typical applications include: CNC lathes, CNC mills, CNC routers, drilling, milling, tapping, broaching, turning, friction drilling, band sawing, tube end forming, mandrel tube bending, robotic machining, and other automated machining operations.
Technical Specifications
| Number of outputs | Up to 6 independent outputs |
| Power supply | 24 VDC, 60W max |
| Control inputs | Dry contact (switch closure) 24 VDC PNP/NPN |
| Serial input | RS-232 Baud rate: 9600, 14.4k, 19.2k, 38.4k, 57.6k, 115.2k, 230.4k Parity: odd, even, zero Flow control: None, XON / XOFF ASCII Stop bits: 1 or 2 Data bits: 8 End of block character: Carriage return |
| Alarm relay output | Isolated, non-fused single pole, double throw 2 amp load maximum |
| Output ranges | 1-drop pumps: 0 to 200 drops/minute (0 to 400 mL/hr) 2-drop pumps: 0-400 drops/minute (0-800 mL/hr) |
| MQL air flow rate | 0 to 7 SCFM (0 to 198 LPM) |
| Air blow-off air flow | 8 SCFM (226 LPM) |
| Air blow-off frequency | 1 to 255 cycles/minute |
| Air blow-off pulse length | 0.100 seconds to continuous |
| Viscosity range | 1-drop pumps: 30-1300 SUS 2-drop pumps: 30-500 SUS |
| Flow sensor minimum viscosity | 50 SUS |
| Operating temperature range | 32° to 122°F (0° to 50°C) |
| Storage temperature range | -4° to 158°F (-20° to 70°C) |
| Flow sensor inputs | NPN sensor, 10-30 VDC |
| Fluid reservoir capacity | 64 oz (1892.7 mL) |
| Remote display cable maximum distance | 20 ft (6.1 m)* |
| RS232 serial cable max length | 10 ft (3.0 m)* |
| Fluid supply for auto refill | Clean, filtered fluid, 20 psi max (138 kPa max) |
| Supply air pressure | Clean, dry compressed air, 80 to 100 psi (5.5 to 6.9 bar), 25 SCFM minimum (708 LPM) |
| Fluid viscosity | 30-1300 SUS |
Find the Right Quantum™ Configuration for Your Application
The number of outputs, nozzle configuration, control method, and monitoring features can be selected according to the machine and process requirements.
Whether the system needs to integrate directly with a CNC program, operate from discrete inputs, or incorporate automatic reservoir refilling, the Quantum™ can be configured to meet the requirements of the application.
Contact Montfort International to determine the appropriate Quantum™ configuration for your equipment and machining process.
Quantum™ Configuration Options
Enclosure lock
Optional tamper-proof keyed lock
Nozzles
Unist has a wide variety of MQL nozzle types to fit each specific application.
Remote interface
Allows for alternate control positioning
Coolube® Lubricant
UNIST Coolube® lubricants are specifically formulated for Minimum Quantity Lubrication applications. Their properties help form a thin lubricating film on metal surfaces to reduce friction and heat at the cutting tool/workpiece interface. Different formulations are available to suit machining requirements for ferrous and non-ferrous metals, aluminum, and stainless steel.
The Quantum™ is covered by UNIST's standard one-year product warranty. UNIST pumps qualify for a lifetime warranty when used exclusively with UNIST lubricants.
Montfort International
G1P 3T3, Canada