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What metalworking fluids exist and how to use them?
Keep in mind the different properties around cooling, lubricating, reducing friction and protecting against corrosion to find the most suitable product for each challenge.

What metalworking fluids exist and how do you use them?

Working metals as safely and optimally as possible? Then the right metalworking fluids are essential. This article lists the different types that can be used to treat, process, maintain and clean metal.

Let's start with the basics. When we talk about metalworking fluids, we are usually talking about compositions of pure oil or water or oil-based fluids. Each has its own ingredients that will determine the properties of the fluid in question. Typically, they contain between 10 and 30 different ingredients. It is important to always strictly follow safety regulations. After all, metalworking fluids may contain irritants or allergens. There are also guidelines related to proper use. For example, some fluids will need to be diluted with water.

A solution for every problem

The right choice of metalworking fluid in will take production efficiency to the next level. Keep in mind the different properties around cooling, lubricating, reducing friction and protecting against corrosion to find the most suitable product for each challenge. Which type of fluid it ends up being depends on the metals you want to process and the type of machining you want to do. For example, for drilling deep holes you will turn to a different oil than for small, shallow holes. If emulsion is involved, then water quality also deserves attention. The most common fluids in a metalworking shop are cutting fluids, lubricants and various emulsions. 

Cooling lubricants

During machining processes, it is important that temperatures do not rise too high. Cooling lubricants do just that: they keep temperatures under control, thus significantly extending the life of machines. In addition, their lubricating properties prevent wear and failure not only on your machines, but also on your tools. These fluids are colorless and only need to be used in very low concentrations in water. This can be done with both hard and soft water.

Cutting fluids

Wherever metals are machined, stresses and friction can occur. Cutting fluids are then the ideal remedy to extend the life of your tools and machines and achieve a better finished product. In particular, they are often used in the processing of steel, copper and cast iron. These lubricants consist of mineral oils with properties to reduce wear. They may be used undiluted for smooth handling of metals.

Emulsions

Emulsions consist of an oil-based product and water. The oil and water emulsify, creating a water-miscible, oil-based substance. Emulsions can consist of mineral oil, but equally well of semi-synthetic oil. Emulsions allow machines and tools to perform optimally. They lend themselves best to treating various types of metals such as steel and steel alloys, stainless steel and titanium. There are also microemulsions, emulsifiable synthetic oils. They contain about 2 to 10% of oil, which is lower than in standard emulsions. These microemulsions are ideal for turning, cutting and drilling lighter metals such as aluminum. 

Using metalworking fluids

Of course, how metalworking fluids are used depends on the product. However, there are a few important points to always keep in mind when using them. Make sure the metalworking fluid is not left on the machine for too long. The longer the metalworking fluid is used, the more likely it is to become contaminated with impurities, which can cause loss of the active ingredients. Careful control of the oil or emulsion bath ensures that they will last much longer.   

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