At Pennine Lubricants, we’ve been blending metal-cutting fluids for over 30 years. Offering our customers a comprehensive, yet adaptable range for even the most demanding applications. As well as the many benefits metal cutting fluids offer, there are some disadvantages if the fluids are not maintained correctly. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of metal cutting fluids?
Advantages include:
Disadvantages include:
Keep reading to find out more about the features of metal cutting fluids as well as some common examples of metal working fluids.
Metal cutting fluids offer many advantages; not only do they cool and lubricate machinery, formulations can be easily altered to suit varying application requirements. However, if not maintained correctly, metal cutting fluids can cause health problems in operatives. Read on to find out more about the advantages and disadvantages of metal cutting fluids.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Metalworking fluids both lubricate and cool machinery. It helps protect tooling as well as enhancing surface finish. They can also improve machine efficiency and tolerance, which reduces re-work time and scrappage rates down the line. | Metalworking Fluids (MWF) can present health and safety issues once they pick up contaminants in skin and lungs.
Common health issues include lung disease and skin disease if you come into contact with them. Click here to read more about these health and safety issues. |
| Metalworking fluids reduce the power input/effort necessary to cut materials. This can in turn reduce the cost and strain on your resources which benefits you over time. | They do however require some effort to keep them in good working order to comply with HSE MW05 which can be time consuming. |
| Neat oils have an inherent stability and resist oxidation. They have a high flash point and relatively low flammability. Neat oils can act as a carrier for a large number of additives which can be blended easily. | Although they are resistant to degradation, over time neat oils will still degrade and lose effectiveness. Eventually leading to contamination, additive breakdown and depletion. |
| Metalworking fluid formulations can be altered easily to suit different requirements. | Another disadvantage is that there can be bacterial and fungal breakdown in soluble oils. In neat oils you can also experience oxidation and scorching. |
| No alternative to metalworking fluids has been found to provide the same cooling and lubricating function. It is the best solution on the market. | There is also an environmental disadvantage to metal cutting fluids. Due to there not being an enclosed process when using them there will naturally be impacts from spillages, smoke, drag out -swarf contaminated with oil. |
To learn more about the health risks and safety precautions required when using metal cutting fluids, read our informative blog by clicking here.
There are many features of metal cutting fluids, which can benefit a wide range of applications, here are a few of them:
There are many different types of metalworking fluids within our range. Each one was developed to combat the challenges of different materials and processes. Take a look below for more information on the types of metalworking fluids in our range, and the applications they are suitable for:
Click here to view our full range of cutting fluids.
There are several potential hazards that are associated with the use of metalworking fluids, but with the correct training, PPE, good hygiene and regular monitoring of coolant these risks can be significantly reduced.
Metalworking fluids can cause skin conditions in operatives if the correct PPE is not worn. Dermatitis can develop on the hands, arms and face. This is caused by contact with both mixed metalworking fluids and neat oils.
Metalworking fluids can cause the skin to lose its natural oils, which can lead to itching and red patches on the skin. These are symptoms of dermatitis. The skin can also become very dry and start to crack. In severe cases, it can also result in swellings, blisters and open sores.
Operators are at risk of inhaling metalworking fluid mist, which increases the risk of developing lung disease. The most commonly reported types of lung disease by operatives are: Occupational Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (OHP) and Occupational Asthma (OA).
Early indications of lung disease include: unexplained coughing, recurrent chest infections, difficulty breathing and weight loss.
We have developed a wide range of metal cutting fluids for industry, but can also provide bespoke blends on a small or large scale, for applications which require a unique formulation. If you’d like help selecting the correct metal cutting fluid for your application then get in touch with our technical team today.
