Harry Barr has been appointed as Q8Oils’ field service technician (FST) for Scotland. Harry, who studied mechanical engineering at college and went on to serve his apprenticeship as an agricultural engineer, has also worked for British Steel and as a site manager within the Rolls Royce group.

Harry’s primary role is it to monitor the condition of Q8Oils metalworking fluids and lubricants at his customers’ sites. A variety of tests are carried out to ensure Q8Oils are performing correctly, including visual inspections, determination of the lubricant concentration, pH monitoring. In addition, conductivity, total dissolved solids, biocide concentration and the bio-burden are measured and FSTs also offer advice, which can help customers increase coolant life and performance, refine and improve cutting and forming processes, and reduce machine down-time.

The Q8Oils Field Service Technician service was launched at MACH 1992 and was so well received in the wider industry that, at METCUT 1994, it received a ‘Technical Innovation’ award from Metalworking Production.

Twenty-two years on from its launch, Q8Oils will be using this years’ MACH and Subcon shows to re-launch its FST service. The new offering, which uses a tablet-based system and bespoke app, will enable Q8Oils FSTs to monitor fluids, complete their audits and deliver results all while onsite; ensuring that if bacteria are found in cutting fluids it is reported as soon as possible.

Commenting for Q8Oils, Harry says: “We’ve been trialling this new system for a while now and it’s a real innovation and promises tangible benefits for Q8Oils customers.”

For further information, Q8Oils will be demonstrating the new FST system at MACH 2014 (Stand 5584) or Subcon 2014 (Stand G23). Alternatively, call Q8Oils on +44 (0)113 235 0555 or email Marketing@Q8Oils.com.