Simple solutions can work a treat

• Metal-working company's manual spillage problem 
• Floating valves in the tanks prevent overflow and save some 3 % on lubricant use a year 

The German company Metalltechnik Menges GmbH specialises in the area of chipless deformation, a technique for working different metals such as steel and copper. The company uses several machines filled with lubricants, which help to keep friction down during the metal-working processes. 

The company uses a simple hose system to fill the machines with lubricants with no way of knowing when the tank is full. That leads to overflow and spillage from time to time. It needed a solution that could be fitted into the current practices, and not require an extensive and expensive refit.

Key results

Management investigated several alternatives to avoid overfilling, and came up with a relatively simple solution. They put floating valves in the tanks, which activate a shut-off function once the tanks reach their optimum level. The company expects a minimum saving of 3 % on lubricant use per year.