Eclipse Magnetics Filtration Technology Supports Precision Machining at CJMT

Application Background

Changjiang Machine Technology (CJMT), based in Yichang, Hubei Province, China, is a major manufacturer within the Chinese machine tool industry and a specialist in the research, development and manufacture of gear shaping technology.

The company manufactures a comprehensive range of gear shaping equipment, with nine series covering hundreds of CNC gear machine specifications. Its machines are used across a broad range of industries, including automotive, wind power, energy, mining, ports and shipping, engineering machinery and tool manufacturing.

With CJMT gear shaping machines accounting for more than 70% of the domestic Chinese market, maintaining machining accuracy, reliability and consistent component quality is critical.

The Problem

CJMT gear shaping machines incorporate dedicated cooling and filtration stations, traditionally using filtration methods including paper filters, cartridge filters and magnetic rollers.

While these systems were effective at removing larger particles, fine ferrous contamination of 20μm and below could remain suspended in the cutting fluid and continue circulating through the machining process.

For high-precision gear manufacturing, these fine particles presented a significant challenge.

Contamination circulating within the cutting fluid could create additional friction at the point of machining, contributing to inconsistent performance, unwanted machining marks and increased requirements for scrap and rework.

The effects extended beyond component quality. Fine contamination could accelerate cutting tool wear, shorten cutting fluid life and increase the potential for mechanical issues within the system. Together, these factors had implications for consumable costs, machine availability and overall production efficiency.

CJMT therefore looked for a filtration solution capable of targeting the fine ferrous particles that conventional filtration was leaving behind.

The Solution

CJMT selected an Eclipse Magnetics MicroMag magnetic filter for an initial trial on its YGX5112 high-precision gear shaping machine.

The trial was designed to establish whether high-intensity magnetic filtration could provide more effective removal of fine ferrous contamination from the cutting fluid while complementing the machine’s existing filtration process.

MicroMag uses a high-intensity magnetic circuit to capture fine ferrous particles as contaminated fluid passes through the filter. By removing these particles from circulation, cleaner cutting fluid can be returned to the machining process, helping to protect tooling and equipment while supporting consistent machining conditions.

During the trial, the MicroMag captured fine ferrous contamination that would otherwise have remained within the circulating fluid. For CJMT, the results demonstrated the value of adding high-intensity magnetic filtration to its existing approach.

Following the successful trial, CJMT moved beyond the initial YGX5112 installation and adopted the filtration technology more widely across its gear shaping and gear skiving machines.

The benefits have also been reflected in feedback received from CJMT customers. Improved contamination control has helped extend cutting fluid and cutting tool life, while reducing unwanted machining marks and the risk of mechanical issues associated with contaminated process fluid.

For CJMT, this has translated into a cleaner machining process with benefits extending from component surface finish and machining accuracy through to waste reduction, maintenance and operating costs.

The project demonstrates how addressing contamination at a finer level can make a significant difference in precision machining applications, particularly where conventional filtration alone may not capture the smallest ferrous particles.

Comment

Quan Cai, Product Engineer at CJMT, said: “Introducing the MicroMag allowed us to target the fine ferrous contamination that remained in the cutting fluid after conventional filtration. Following the successful trial on our YGX5112 high-precision gear shaping machine, we have adopted the solution more widely across our gear shaping and gear skiving machines.

“The improved filtration helps us maintain cleaner cutting fluid, support machining accuracy and surface finish, and reduce wear on cutting tools and equipment.”