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spraying WD40 in the wire EDM tank

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implmex

Diamond
Joined
Jun 23, 2002
Location
Vancouver BC Canada
Hi All:
I had a visit from my friendly wire sales guy yesterday.
While we were peering into the worktank, he commented that I should get in the habit of spraying WD40 on the heads and wiping the tank walls with it.
He claims it won't affect the water or contaminate the tank in any way, but makes the machine easier to clean especially after cutting aluminum.
What are your opinions?
I've heard both yea and nay on this.
Cheers

Marcus
Implant Mechanix – Design & Innovation - home
Vancouver Wire EDM -- Wire EDM Machining
 
I'm always wary of doing stuff like that. I just tend to use elbow grease and a scotch brite. Was told by an apps engineer, to not risk anything that may compromise the water.
 
implmex said:
Hi All:
I had a visit from my friendly wire sales guy yesterday.
While we were peering into the worktank, he commented that I should get in the habit of spraying WD40 on the heads and wiping the tank walls with it.
Click to expand...

Marcus,

One question - Does this guy happen to also sell resin and filters?

My answer - I have no definitive proof of such, but I can NOT see how WD40 would not affect one's DI and filter conditioning. I don't ( and wouldn't ) do it. I try to wipe everything down as soon as I remove the part and fixturing. "Try" being the operative word here. Some times, we one man bands get a little busy and I freely admit to having "forgotten" once or twice. I do make it a point to go over the machine about once a week, though. I use the system's water and a MILD Scotch-Brite pad. I've also gone a little over the deep end with my pre filter containment measures, as well though. So, I usually end up needing to be cleaning possibly just a little bit less than the average bear.

But, no... no WD40...
 
I wouldn't introduce wd-40 or oil to a water-dielectric wire machine for the same reasons that I would not use acid cleaners on said machine. It's real hard to get them removed completely from the machine if there is a problem. As soon as the wd-40 gets to your filters it will coat them, thus reducing the amount of filtration media surface area. This means if you use it for clean up you have to get make sure it does not make it to your tank. Ask your machine manufacturer whether they agree with the wire salesman. I know that the manuals for our Charmilles and AgiesCharmilles advise against using anything other than dielectric water and sweat for inside the machine cleaning.
 
Well, the consensus is pretty unanimous; no WD 40 if you value your water, filters, and resin.
I think the oily sheen it leaves on the water is a bit of a giveaway; so I've always resisted it.
It's good to have my gut feeling confirmed.

And yes, Zahnrad Kopf, my friendly wire guy does sell filters and resin!

And yes, EDM Joe, cleaning out the whole dielectric system and replacing all the hoses is a great joy you'll only want to experience once.
My particular misadventure was taking on a job involving cutting epoxy laminated steel.
I had to tear down the whole works to fix it, and I never got a dime from the customer, cause I didn't even make it through the first part before the machine gave up.
Thank you all. Suspicions confirmed!!
Cheers

Marcus
Implant Mechanix – Design & Innovation - home
Vancouver Wire EDM -- Wire EDM Machining
 
Isnt wd 40 a vanishing oil anyway, that is it goes to vapor after a short time. We use it in perf tube operations so we don't have to clean the parts after a run. Funny, I have noticed on the jug they show spraying it on electrical switch gear.

You know I read somewhere WD 40 was a old air force designation #. They used it to displace moisture on missle hardware I think.
 
I seem to recall WD-40 does mean Water Displacement - 40th formulation. It is made from 'aromatic hydrocarbons' (refined oil), one of these being a light paraffin I believe, so it does leave a residue that never wholly evaporates. If I recall correctly it was developed for NASA to clear water out of electrical connectors, so I don't think I would use it in a water based electrical system. Seems kind of opposite what it was developed for. Makes a great part cleaner, though.
 
From a Wire EDM standpoint, the use of WD40 should almost never be used inside the work tank, as this chemical will attach and deplete the Di-resin. There are better sprays to use (such as CRC 3-36) that are very similar to WD40, but will not create an oil slick or attach the resin. As for the comment about using a spray lubricant to clean and prolong the life of the tank seals and keep the seal material from drying out, another great alternative is to use an automotive di-electric grease that can be found at any automotive.

-Brian
 
implmex said:
Hi All:
I had a visit from my friendly wire sales guy yesterday.
While we were peering into the worktank, he commented that I should get in the habit of spraying WD40 on the heads and wiping the tank walls with it.
He claims it won't affect the water or contaminate the tank in any way, but makes the machine easier to clean especially after cutting aluminum.
What are your opinions?
I've heard both yea and nay on this.
Cheers

**********
A clean machine is a happy machine, but thats not the main reason to wipe out the tank.
You wipe the tank out daily to remove dirt under the micron level of your filters. The dirt sticks to steel, glass, etc...
BUT dirt does not stick to dirt. Opposites attract. So basically you keep it spotless so dirt WILL stick to the walls etc... and not your part,
because its the particles that stick to your part that causes the rust.
If some clown sprays wd40 in one of our wires, it takes me 2-3 days to wipe it out and remove it completely. Kinda like a skimmer on a mill
coolant tank.
Makino sells an anti rust attachment, its nothing more than a polished plate with a negative charge. Keep your machine wiped out daily and
you will have that condition naturally. Especially if your lucky enough to have a stainless steel tank.

As far your wire tech goes, take it with a grain of sand. Usually these guys are specialists with extremely limited skills forced to give you an answer to every question.
They never say "I dont know actually", and who can trust people who are never wrong or know everything?

Think about it, we go thru all this effort to remove chemicles from the water, and then the tec says spray them directly into the tank daily.
nice.
Click to expand...
 
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