Cutting fluids are considered to be very important in metalworking and machining operations because they prolong tool life, enhance surface finish, and dissipate heat energy produced during cutting operations. Their major function is to get rid of heat and prevent heat generation during machining operations to increase tool life and enhance machining efficiency. Selection of the right type of cutting fluid becomes very important for such applications, as each type of cutting fluid offers its advantages and characteristics.
What is a Cutting Fluid?
Cutting fluid takes the form of a liquid and is applied itself during metal cutting, drilling, milling, and turning operations, where it plays several roles: cooling and lubricating, thereby decreasing friction and wear on the workpiece as well as the heat generated during deformation and machining. This has become the reason that some people still call it “coolant” or “lubricant.” It serves much more than that. Cutting fluids are used when the machine is operating: to lubricate, to cool, and to reduce friction between cutting tool and workpiece, thus improving tool life, surface finish, and heat generated in machining.
Cutting fluids have also proved to contribute to better surface finish and better dimensional control. All these attributes are provided by a water-oil mixture with an emulsifier for coalescing the two. Specific chemicals may also enhance the cutting fluid in synthetic fluids.
Properties Of Cutting Fluids
The common properties of cutting fluids include high heat absorptivity, high flash point, non-corrosiveness, good lubrication functionality, and odorless stability.
Cutting fluids are characterized by their high heat-bearing capability, which prevents major heat generation to the cutting tool. High flash point of cutting fluids makes them much safer as the chances of fire are reduced. Cutting fluids are also very non-corrosive to the equipment, main tool, and work material, ensuring long-lasting, reliable equipment.
The above lubricant characteristics of cutting fluid will help in reducing the frictional force and will also help in the power loss, thus making it one of the few important features of a cutting process. Cutting oils remain and do not easily get oxidized in the air or decompose under normal conditions.
Engine lubricants play a vital role in reducing friction between moving parts within an engine.
Different Types Of Cutting Fluids
Four basic varieties of cutting fluids:
- Soluble Cutting Oils
- Neat Cutting Oils
- Synthetic Coolants
- Solid Lubricants.
Soluble cutting oils are used mainly in expansive operations with water-soluble cutting fluids, whereas Neat-cutting oils are applicable in smaller operations since these cutting fluids are not diluted in water. Synthetic coolants are synthetic-material-made cutting fluids, which are further used for applications needing to perform at very high levels. Solid lubricants are cutting fluids present in solids used at high temperatures.
Application Of Cutting Fluids
Cutting fluids are common coolants, lubricants, and flushing fluids.
- As coolants, cutting fluids serve primarily to cool the cutting tool as well as the workpiece.
- As lubricants, cutting fluids reduce cutting force and friction on the tool and machinery through lubrication.
- As a flushing fluid, the main function of cutting fluids is to wash off the chips and improve the surface finish.
Benefits Of Cutting Fluids
- The process of metal cutting, popularly known as cutting, involves the absorption of heat away from the workpiece and the cutting tool to help avoid damaging the workpiece cutting tool and make the operation free from overheating, which makes it hard to control if such damage has occurred.
- The surfaces can also be said to be finished because cutting fluids wash away the chips and reduce the formation of built-up edges.
- Normal cutting oils would generally not be corrosive to the cutting machine or to the machine parts used in the metal cutting process.
- Cutting fluids lubricate the cutting tools and workpieces, thus improving the moving efficiency of the tools and reducing wear and tear of the machines.
- Cutting fluids can be classified as cold, lubricating, and flushing fluids, thus forming a multifunctional solution for any metal cutting operations.
Selection Of Cutting Fluids
The selection of cutting fluid is one of the most vital parameters in the metal cutting process and directly affects the performance. Therefore, choosing good quality cutting oils will help in maximizing the benefits.
Choosing the right cutting fluid depends primarily on the material being cut and the tool used. This also depends on the operation carried out, be it drilling or cutting, and the extent of cooling desired. Understanding the different types of base oil is essential when selecting the right lubricant for industrial or automotive applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cutting fluids, such as soluble oils, neat oils, synthetic coolants, and solid lubricants, are essential in metal-cutting to prevent heat production and reduce friction. Castrol offers high-quality cutting fluids for various industries, known for their heat-absorbing capacity, flash point, non-corrosiveness, and excellent lubrication properties.
