The four core functions of metalworking fluids include lubrication, cooling, corrosion control, and chip removal. Cutting fluids play a vital role in the metalworking process. During metal machining, large amounts of heat are produced due to plastic and friction deformation. The heat that is produced should be transported by some means to protect both the work and the tool. Let’s delve into cutting fluids, the vital role they play in metalworking, and their benefits.
What Are Cutting Fluids?
Cutting fluids are a kind of coolant and lubricant that are designed for the metalworking process. The fluids are applied during the machining zone in an effort to reduce the amount of friction between chip, tool, and workpiece.
Cutting Fluids are also utilized for rust prevention and even chip flushing during the machine metal-cutting process. The fluids can also be used for other special processes and effects in additional metal working operations.
What is the Primary Function of Cutting Fluids?
The primary function of cutting fluids is heat removal. The fluids are able to cool down the workpiece and tool. During the process of fluid passing over them, the heat is extracted by a process referred to as conduction. Heat removal helps to reduce thermal expansion and thermal stress.
Additional Functions of Cutting Fluids
The following are some of the primary functions of cutting fluids:
- Flushing the chips away from the cutting zone.
- Cooling the workpiece during high cutting speeds.
- Keeping the workpiece at an established temperature while reducing thermal distortion. This results in an improvement of the dimension of work.
- The prevention of corrosion of components
What are Some of the Most Common Cutting Fluids Used?
Some of the most common cutting fluids utilized include copper, alloy steel, steels, cast iron, and aluminum. Additionally, cutting fluids have four main categories. They include straight oils, soluble oils, synthetic fluids, and semi-synthetic fluids. Each of these fluids has properties that enable quality and efficient metalworking. They are also fluids that help to keep the workplace stable, prevent rust on machines, maximize the lifespan of the cutting tip with lubrication of the working edge, and help with the reduction of tip welding.
Choosing the Correct Cutting Fluid
Choosing the correct cutting fluids is very important as that fluid has a direct effect on productivity, the impact on tool life, and even cost. One of the biggest issues is that the selection can vary based on various methods of operating and machining conditions.
First, cutting fluids should be chemically stable—even during extreme conditions. Secondly, cutting fluids must be able to disperse heat located at the cutting zone. Thirdly, your cutting fluids should be able to evaporate quickly. Those fluids that do so, may not be worth usage—as they may compromise performance and not be as cost-effective as others.
Purchase Quality Cutting Fluids From Your Sikeston, MO Oil Company
For the quality cutting fluids you need, your Sikeston, MO oil company has them. You can view our inventory online and place your order for the specific cutting fluid you need. We also carry specialty lubricants and other metalworking fluids that help to make your operations more efficient and effective. Contact us or request a quote today and allow us to be your one and only supplier of the cutting fluids you need and deserve.