Cutting fluids are essential for many machinery operated processes involving different tools. These fluids are mostly used in drilling, milling and turning processes and are available in the market in a large variety. With the invention of new tools and use of different materials, many new cutting fluids have also been developed to accommodate them. The machining processes using cutting fluids require machines to be used at the highest speed. Although this is the only way the cutting process can be completed effectively, it can also damage the tools. Therefore it is important to protect the tools from suffering the brunt of the process and this can be achieved by using the most suitable cutting fluids for tools. Use of appropriate fluids can also help extend the tool life by protecting it from wear and tear which is caused by their constant use.
There are many different types of cutting fluids but they can be mainly divided into four major categories. These include water miscible fluids, straight cutting oils, gasses, and solid lubricants. Water miscible cutting oils as the name suggests are those that can dissolve into water. Water is the best fluid that can be used as a coolant and has been in use for years. Straight cutting oils are those that are not mixed into water and are used as it is. There are further two types of straight cutting oils; active and inactive. Cutting fluids are also used in the form of gases. Carbon dioxide, nitrogen, Freon and other inert gases are used as cutting fluids in the machining process. Solid lubricants are used in the form of a paste. These pastes are made of lubricating chemicals and are applied directly on the tool or the work piece. The type of cutting fluid you use depends on your requirement and your tools so make sure you know what you need and find the right fluid for it accordingly.
There are many purposes served by using cutting fluids in the machining process. They are very essential when it comes to protecting the tool and are also important in making the machining process easier. Here are some benefits of using cutting fluids and how they can help keep your tools as good as new.
- Cooling:
- Lubrication:
- Rust and Corrosion Prevention:
- Protection Against Bacteria:
The first and foremost benefit of cutting fluid is the cooling operation. To remove the heat from the process while using a machine and to keep both the tool and work piece cool you have to use the cutting fluid as a coolant in the process. Excessive heat can damage the machinery and the cutting fluid can protect the tool from it. The fluid is able to work as a coolant because it can transfer heat very rapidly.
The cutting fluid is also used as a lubricant in the machining process. When the tool slides over the material, friction is produced and this friction can cause damage to the tool. Lubrication can protect the tools from the damage caused by friction. The cutting fluids when used in the machining process can make it easier for the tool to slide over and cut neatly.
It is easier for tools to fall prey to rust and corrosion with constant use. Rust can not only decrease the effectiveness of the tool but if it is not treated, it can render the tool completely useless after a while. Cutting fluids can prevent this by leaving a residual film over the tools even after the water has evaporated. The tool life can be greatly increased by preventing any kind of rusting.
Cutting fluids provide protection against bacterial growth as well. Bacteria can cause great damage if allowed to grow unhindered. The additives in cutting fluids have the power to prevent the bacteria and other dangerous organisms from growing. This can protect the tool and oils from the harmful effects and as a consequence increase the tool life.
Therefore, if you are planning to use metal cutting machinery for the first time, don’t forget to get the cutting fluids as well. They can not only help increase the effectiveness of the process but are also absolutely necessary in protecting your machine from getting damaged in the process. By protecting your tools, cutting fluids help you save a lot of money as well.