Formaldehyde- and boric acid-free alternatives to metalworking fluids

In December 2018, REACH legislation went into effect. Formaldehyde has since had to be re-labeled as it is listed as a carcinogen. Unil Lubricants' R&D department has been looking for innovative formulations to reduce its environmental and health impact. And it has more than done its homework. With a view to a sustainable product portfolio, all formulas for metalworking have now been adapted to a version without formaldehyde source. Moreover, a boric acid-free alternative can also be offered for each of the water-soluble products. After all, research shows that boric acid can induce various allergic reactions.

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a specific, pungent odor. It is an example of a volatile organic compound from the larger group of aldehydes. Exposure to this substance can be harmful to health in the short and long term if proper precautions are not taken when using it. It is important to always consult all safety information before using any chemical. To completely eliminate the risk of formaldehyde exposure, Unil Lubricants has made every effort to optimize the metalworking formulas of its products to a variant that no longer requires the addition of formaldehyde source. In developing these new formulas, maintaining the familiar quality of the products was obviously essential. After years of research and testing, they are proud to introduce to the market a completely renewed range of emulsions and micro-emulsions that are safer to use than ever before.

Also boric acid-free emulsions

In addition to minimizing health risks by banning formaldehyde, Unil Lubricants wants to minimize the impact of its products on the environment. Although boron salts are basically safe to use, they can have a negative impact when released into the living environment. To prevent this, Unil Lubricants also proposes a boric acid-free variant for each new formaldehyde-free formula.

(Image: Scania CV AB)

Safecut AERO 405

Safecut AERO 405 is a boric acid-free semi-synthetic micro-emulsion suitable for turning, sawing, milling and drilling stainless steel and aluminum. Although this soluble oil was developed specifically for aerospace, this product can also be used for all difficult machining operations on these metals. Especially for operations where the surface finish is important. On the basis of its very specific properties and the high requirements set by the aviation industry for Unil Lubricants, this product meets all the specifications of AEROSPACE ASN 42.302. For this reason, this metalworking oil is therefore particularly resistant to high pressure.

Safecut M 145 NT

Safecut M 145 NT is a boric acid-free biostable microemulsion that forms a translucent microemulsion in water. It was designed for general machining and is suitable for both hard and medium-hard water. The successor to Safecut M 140 NT, which has become even more lubricating thanks to its updated additives and modified formula, it gains improved tool life and increased durability. This oil is a universal product. Thus, it is outstanding in applications for milling, turning and tapping on parts for machines including looms and agricultural machinery. The universality of Safecut M 145 NT also shows itself in the different materials that can be machined with this emulsion. For example, it is suitable for all yellow metals, aluminum, steel and alloys, stainless steel and even titanium.