Performance Machining Fluids
Metal manufacturing is an enormous and varied industry - requiring specialty lubricants to maximize production and protect workpieces, machine tools and optimize safety in the shop itself. Henkel strives to provide best-in-class performance for all of these factors in the Bonderite® Metalworking Lubricant portfolio. Dive deeper into the pros and cons of metalworking coolant types and feel more confident in selecting the ideal solution for your operation.
What are Machining Coolants?
Machining coolants are specially engineered lubricants that provide protection for workpieces and machine tools by controlling friction, reducing extreme temperatures, protecting from corrosion & rust, and physically removing metal chips & flakes.
Control Friction | Reduce Temperature |
Remove Metal Chips | Prevent Corrosion |
Types of Machining Coolants
There are four main types of metalworking fluids – Straight Oil, Soluble Oil, Semi-Synthetic and Synthetic Fluids. Each of the metalworking coolant types provide their own specific benefits and disadvantages for use and it’s important to understand which type of fluid is right for your machining operation.
Pros & Cons of Machining Coolant Types
Coolant Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
Straight Oil | Excellent Lubrication Good Rust Prevention & Control Longer Fluid Life No Microbial or Biological Growth | High Temperature Buildup Smoking or Misting Problems Dirty Shop Conditions Flammability Concerns Disposal Problems |
Soluble Oil | Good Lubrication Good Thermal Control & Reduction | Can Become Rancid Smoking or Misting Problems Poor Mix Stability or Foaming Dirty/Oily Shop Conditions Poor Rust Prevention Disposal Concerns |
Semi-Synthetic | Good Lubrication Good Thermal Transfer & Control Good Rust Control Longer Fluid Life Cleaner Shop Conditions | Potential for Foaming Hard Water Stability Concerns Compatibility Concerns with Other Lubricants |
| Synthetic | Excellent Heat Transfer Cleaner Shop Conditions | Poor Physical Lubrication Can Form Hard Residues |
Metalworking Operations & Fluid Performance
Not all metalworking fluids are created equal - in fact if you choose the wrong lubricant for your operation, you could be wasting money on scrap, replenishment and disposal costs. The pros and cons of the each fluid type may lend themselves to improved performance depending on the machining operation being performed. For a starter recommendation, the table below gives a high level comparison from Ok to Best by machining operation.
| Machining Operation | Straight Oil | Soluble Oil | Semi-Synthetic | Synthetic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinding | Ok | Good | Better | Best |
| Sawing | Good | Better | Better | Ok |
| Turning | Ok | Better | Best | Better |
| Screw Cutting | Ok | Better | Best | Better |
| Boring | Ok | Best | Best | Better |
| Milling | Ok | Best | Best | Better |
| Drilling | Good | Better | Best | Better |
| Deep Hole Drilling | Good | Good | Best | Good |
| Honing | Better | Ok | Good | Good |
| Tapping or Threading | Better | Best | Best | Good |
| Shaving | Best | Good | Good | Ok |
| Gear Shaping, Hobbing or Broaching | Best | Good | Ok | Ok |