Metalworking Fluids: What Buyers Need To Know Before Selecting A Distributor

Jul 2nd 2020

The manufacturing industry is a crucial part of America's economy. There are a number of reasons why. For one thing, many different industries are incapable of properly working without manufacturing plants. Manufacturing keys into a number of different products, from metal to plastic, and even glass. However, unless the machines used in the industry work properly, the products made may be misshapen, or may look well-made while in reality being improperly formed. So, what can throw off the working abilities of the machines used in the manufacturing industry? Often, it is the use of low quality metalworking fluids, or simply the lack of those fluids in the first place. It's crucial that these fluids are properly source and utilized, as they play a vital role in the machining process.

Industrial lubricants, coolants, and cutting fluids are used in large quantities within the machining process, usually topping out between four and 20 liters per minute depending on the type of project being handled. This means that most orders for metalworking fluids are made in bulk, which leaves those in the manufacturing industry seeking safe sources for large quantities of metalworking fluids. When looking for a reliable oil wholesale distributor, however, there are a number of different questions one should ask first. Looking into them will help clients make determinations regarding good distributors. The more responsible you are regarding your oil solutions decisions, the better your results will ultimately be.

What Are Metalworking Fluids?

Before searching for oil wholesale distributors, one must first understand exactly what metalworking fluids are and exactly what they're used for. Ultimately, the purpose of metalworking fluids is to cut down on the heat and friction that naturally occurs during the metalworking and machining process. There is no single type of metalworking fluid, which meals that oil wholesale distributors often offer a number of different types of fluids to their clients. Some are straight oils, which will often be made from petroleum oils. Others may be water-based fluids, which will also include soluble oils or synthetic and semisynthetic fluids. Some metalworking fluids are actually made up of more complex mixtures, including emulsifiers, anti-weld agents, corrosion inhibitors, extreme pressure additives, biocides, alkaline reserves, and much more.

What Affects The Qualities Of Metalworking Fluids?

Obviously, these different mixtures will offer a variety of different results. For that matter, these metalworking fluids can be changed as they're worked through the machining process. Substances will contaminate the fluids throughout the process. This would include hydraulic fluids and tramp oils, as well as different particles made through the grinding of gears in the machinery. Another factor that can affect the metalworking fluids, and in particular water-based fluids, is microbial growth. Bacterial and fungal cells can encourage this kind of growth within the fluids themselves. When selecting an oil wholesale distributor, it's important to ask questions about the quality of the fluids, and possible contaminants that they have been exposed to.

Are There Health Risks To Working With Metalworking Fluids?

Even if a perfectly clean metalworking fluid is sold from a professional oil wholesale distributor, there are issues to which manufacturing employees may be exposed when working with them. Among them are a number of respiratory conditions, like bronchitis, pneumonia, and of course work-related asthma. Work-related asthma is a huge problem in the manufacturing industry, and it's important for employers to take measures to reduce the risks for their plant employees. Another issue that can be prevalent are of course skin reactions. Allergic reactions to metalworking fluids, like dermatitis, are not uncommon. There have been possible links made between prolonged exposure to metalworking fluids and some cancers. However, it's certainly not a completely solid link as of now, and much remains unknown about the health risks associated with metalworking fluids.

When selecting a distributors, buyers must be both scrupulous and careful, asking questions and being willing to pay more for high quality metalworking fluids. This will not only ensure the creation of better products in the long term, but also result in a safer environment for their employees. Ultimately, a safe and quality productive environment is the goal for any manufacturer.