The metalworking industry is in full force now, in part because it has an affect on many other industries; and in turn, there is a greater need for metalworking fluids now than ever before. It's estimated that, by 2020, the metalworking fluids market will reach $9.74 bullion. In fact, metalworking fluids play a massive role in machining, particularly when they become in the form of lubricants. There are many different types of industrial lubricants and lubricant distributors available, different products will of course offer different results, with different purposes in turn. Indeed, lubricants themselves are far from the only types of metalworking fluids available. Below, the different types of metalworking fluids will be explored, as well as their different advantages and features.
Metalworking Lubricants
Metalworking lubricants are used to lubricate metal workpieces during the machining process, as well as when the workpieces are being ground or milled. Usually industrial lubricants are used to reduce friction between metal pieces, cut down on heat, and prevent the warping or damage of the pieces. They will often be applies through lubricant distributors of some sort. If not managed correctly, industrial lubricants may not perform to standard, which is why the lubricant distributors should be kept in mind. The exact makeup of industrial lubricants can vary depending on the source of the lubricants, as well as their exact purpose. A survey of lubrication specialists revealed that 89% of them consider an oil's viscosity when choosing an industrial lubricant. In particular cases, specialty lubricants and lubricant distributors can also be used, as well as wax lubricants. Estimates by manufacturing companies indicate that about 70% of their unplanned equipment shutdowns were due to incorrect lubricant selection or management -- which means that these fluids need to be selected with care.
Metalworking Cooling Fluids
Often, metalworking fluids in general can be referred to as cooling fluids. However, many metalworking fluids do not have a cooling effect. A metalworking cooling fluid is a different product from a metalworking lubricant. Metalworking cooling fluid can be referred to as cutting fluid, and they are often used for the machining and stamping processes. They may be made up oils and waters, and some can even be made up of organic materials like animal fats and plant oils. The same can be said of metalworking fluids in general -- and both can also be made up of synthetic materials, like synthetic lubricants. Cooling fluids can not only keep the metalwork pieces cool, but also maximize the life of the pieces, cut down on the growth of bacteria, and prevent rust.
Chip Removal Fluids
Other types of cutting fluids include chip removal fluids. Chips accumulate during the metalworking process. However, they can easily damage the pieces, and are difficult to remove efficiently. As the name suggests, chip removal fluids remove the chips from the pieces. This can be particularly necessary for larger manufacturing plants, where chips can accumulate very quickly, and easily grow out of control.
Corrosion Control Fluids
Like chip removal fluids, this final type of metalworking fluid is fairly straightforward. Corrosion can easily occur in metalworking pieces, resulting in low performance levels and imperfect final products. With that being said, corrosion control fluids can slow this process, if not entirely stop it from happening. Corrosion is virtually impossible to avoid, and metalworking equipment does occur over time. None of these fluids can prevent that completely. But with the help of corrosion control fluid, the corrosion process can at least be controlled and slowed.
Machining equipment is complex, and should be taken seriously. However, with the right metalworking fluids, this equipment can be maintained, and perform at the levels that it should. Consider them the "keys" to an efficient production!