The Unist Uni-Max Pro minimum quantity lubrication system provides precise, configurable lubricant delivery for applications requiring multiple spray points or advanced pump control. The system supports 1 to 12 outputs.

Uni-Max Pro systems use pneumatically powered, positive-displacement pumps to deliver a controlled volume of lubricant with each pump stroke.

Adjustable or fixed-output pumps are available in 20 µL, 40 µL, and 60 µL fluid volumes. This allows the system to be matched to the lubrication requirements of the process.

Micro-adjustment of fluid and air allows lubricant application to be fine-tuned for the operation.

The air and fluid remain separated until they reach the coaxial nozzle tip. This produces controlled atomization and supports consistent delivery across long tubing runs.

Control Pumps Individually or in Groups

The Uni-Max Pro supports multiple actuation signals. Each signal can operate an individual pump or a group of pumps, allowing different areas of a machine or different steps in a process to receive lubrication when needed. Pumps may be actuated directly, remotely, or through a common control arrangement.

Available actuation options include:

• Air-pilot actuation

• Solenoid actuation

• Manual valve actuation

• Direct, remote, or common pump control

• Pneumatic pulse generation

• Electronic pump timing

This flexibility makes the system suitable for machinery with several tools, spindles, saw blades, drills, or other lubrication points.

The Uni-Max Pro can be configured for either continuous spraying or individually controlled shots of lubricant.

In a continuous-spray configuration, a pneumatic pulse generator or electronic timer cycles the pumps to provide a steady lubricant supply. Fluid output can be adjusted by changing the pump stroke and cycling frequency. This configuration is appropriate for continuous operations such as sawing, milling, and routing.

In a shot-spray configuration, the pumps deliver a measured volume of lubricant in response to an input signal. The number of shots and output can be adjusted for intermittent applications such as drilling and tapping.

Optional flow sensors allow the Uni-Max Pro to monitor fluid output. This provides additional process assurance in applications where confirming lubricant delivery is important.

The monitoring option is intended to verify fluid delivery. The available monitoring configuration depends on the requirements of the application and the control system with which the Uni-Max Pro is integrated.

Several Uni-Max Pro features help simplify maintenance and reduce production interruptions:

• Self-priming pumps draw fluid even when air is present in the supply line.

• A fluid shut-off valve permits pump replacement with less risk of leaking or draining lubricant.

• Quick-connect tubing makes nozzle changes easier.

• Rugged enclosures help protect system components from chips and debris.

• An optional keyed enclosure lock helps prevent unauthorized adjustments.

• Positive-displacement pumps provide precise and repeatable lubricant delivery.

Multiple fluid-supply arrangements are available, including gravity-fed reservoirs and pressurized tanks. An optional low-level sensor can be added to indicate when the lubricant supply is running low.

Different enclosure sizes are available to accommodate the selected number of pumps and system components. Keyed enclosure locks are also available for applications where settings should be protected from unintended changes.

Unist offers a variety of MQL nozzles, spray patterns, lengths, materials, and mounting arrangements. Depending on the application, available choices include rigid, flexible, and semi-rigid nozzles with conical, fan, or radial spray patterns.

Application-specific nozzle designs are available for band saws, circular saws, drilling, tapping, milling, routing, broaching, and turning.

Crane Production Systems can help identify the nozzle type, spray pattern, mounting method, and number of outputs required for your application.

The Uni-Max Pro can be configured for:

• Robotic machining and end-of-arm tooling

• Automated machining cells

• OEM machinery

• Drilling and reaming

• Milling

• Tapping

• Broaching

• Turning

• Routing

• Circular sawing

• Band sawing

For robotic cells, remote control can allow lubricant output to be adjusted without accessing equipment inside the cell. For multi-process automation cells, a single system can supply several lubrication points, such as spindles, drills, and saw blades.

Minimum quantity lubrication applies a very small amount of lubricant directly at the tool-and-workpiece interface. Instead of using a large volume of coolant to absorb heat after it is generated, MQL reduces friction and helps limit heat generation at the cutting edge.

Depending on the application, an appropriately configured MQL system may help:

• Eliminate manual lubricant application

• Reduce lubricant consumption

• Minimize the mess associated with flood coolant

• Improve tool or blade life

• Produce cleaner, nearly dry chips

• Improve visibility around the cutting operation

• Reduce coolant treatment and disposal requirements

• Keep equipment and work areas cleaner

Actual results depend on the material, tooling, operating conditions, lubricant, and system configuration.

Coolube lubricants are formulated specifically for minimum quantity lubrication. Unist offers several Coolube formulations for different materials and manufacturing processes.

Consult Crane Production Systems when selecting a lubricant to ensure the Coolube formulation is appropriate for your material, tooling, and application.

The correct Uni-Max Pro configuration depends on the number of lubrication points, required fluid volume, spray pattern, actuation signals, operating cycle, reservoir arrangement, enclosure requirements, and monitoring needs.

Contact Crane Production Systems for help configuring a Unist Uni-Max Pro minimum quantity lubrication system for your equipment or manufacturing process.