CNC Machine Fire Protection

A Firetrace system provides reliable "lights out" automatic fire detection and suppression.

In "lights-out" operations a fire can continue to grow potentially damaging other machines, mist collection systems, or even the entire building.

Fire is a very valid concern in any machining facility. Fires occurring in machines running oil-based coolant can cause significant damage in seconds and potentially spread throughout the facility causing extensive damage. Even in the presence of operators, machines have been completely destroyed.

A Firetrace automatic fire suppression system installed on a machine helps alleviate much of this danger. Firetrace brings reliable, CNC machine machine fire protection to equipment ensuring that fires will be quickly detected and suppressed, often before damage is done to the machine.

The red Firetrace Detection Tubing (FDT) is at the heart of the system. By routing the tubing throughout the machine Firetrace can detect a fire at its source no matter where it starts. The placement of this tubing reduces activation time and potential for damage. Tests have shown that under normal circumstances FDT detects a fire 10 times faster than traditional methods.

Upon detection of a fire, Firetrace can discharge a fire-suppressing agent in as little as 4 seconds. In most machine applications either FM-200 or CO2 is the preferred agent.

Both of these are clean agents and will leave no residue in the event of a discharge. Firetrace CNC machine fire protection systems can work with a variety of other agents for specialized applications and materials such as titanium. Always discuss your needs with your Firetrace representative to ensure proper protection.

More than 5,000 machines are protected worldwide. Firetrace receives more than one report each week about machines saved from significant damage thanks to Firetrace. In fact, in these incidents operators frequently report that Firetrace reacts so quickly that the machine is undamaged by the fire.

Typically, once the issue that caused the fire is corrected the machine was restored to operation, no clean up required, thanks to clean agent fire suppressants that do not contaminate the oil.

Here are just a few of the CNC and EDM machine brands and models that have benefitted from Firetrace automatic fire detection and suppression:

Firetrace automatic fire detection and suppression can be fitted to select model machines from the following manufacturers. Call or email for specific information about a particular model.