Tool Talk - Metalworking Fluid, Applications and Troubleshooting

Tool Talk - Metalworking Fluid, Applications and TroubleshootingTOOLTALK Metalworking Fluids, Applications and Troubleshooting Metalworking Fluid (MWF) is the name given to a range of oils and other liquids that are used to cool and/or lubricate cutting tools or workpieces when they are being machined, ground, milled, etc. MWFs reduce the heat and friction between the cutting tool and the workpiece, and help prevent burning and smoking. Applying MWFs also helps improve the quality of the workpiece by continuously removing the ﬁnes, chips, and swarfs from the tool being used and the surface of the workpiece. Purpose • Chip Removal • Lubrication • Cooling the Tools and Workpiece • Corrosion Inhibition • Improves Tool Life Soluble Oils Emulsiﬁable in water. Has corrosion protection by using an oily ﬁlm. Provides excellent cooling and lubricating at high speed, low pressure applications. Susceptible to hard water, bacteria, and tramp oil. Uses: Broaching, Tapping, Forming/ Stamping, Drilling, Grinding, Honing, and Sawing. Straight Oils Comprised of mineral oil. Provides excellent machining at slow speeds. Can be easily recycled, but has a higher “in use cost” vs. water based ﬂuids. Uses: Broaching, Tapping, Drilling, Heavy Forming, Form Grinding, Honing, and Sawing. This image shows the importance of cutting ﬂuids providing a lubricating ﬁlm between the workpiece and the cutting tool that reduces point of contact to prevent chipping, melting and reducing friction. Types of Fluids Semi-Synthetic Fluids A combination between soluble and synthetic ﬂuids. Has less oil than soluble oils. Provides tighter emulsions, higher stability. Has better antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-corrosion properties. Can destabilize in high levels of tramp oil. Uses: Milling, Turning, Grinding, Stamping, Broaching, Tapping, Sawing. Synthetic Contains no mineral oils. Has excellent hard water stability and corrosion protection. Maintains a clean operation. Excellent in high speed applications. Uses: Grinding, Milling, Turning, Drilling, Honing, Stamping Looking for Metalworking Tools? Contact Fastenal at 844.365.8665 or cuttingtoolsupport@fastenal.com Go to www.fastenal.com/en/728/metalworking for Previous Tool TalksPage 2