METALWORKING FLUIDS
Fluids at the cutting edge
Callum Dorward,
Lubrizol Industrial - Metalworking and Biocide Product Manager, Europe
Whether you are in the office, at home, or sitting in your vehicle, metallic components are all around us. Even though plastic may be considered dominant today, many companies are transferring to metals such as aluminium (for example in the world of beverage containers) given the latest ecological findings, such as microplastics in our oceans. Modern production methods combined with the relative ease of recycling metals, makes them the material of choice for many applications.
But take another look at the various items around you. Have you ever wondered how a piece of ore, mined out of the ground ended up on your desk as a highly polished item or what processes were involved in making the numerous metallic articles in your home? The process of transforming raw materials into finished components is called “metalworking,” and it involves different refining and smelting operations depending on the type of metal being used, like iron, aluminium, or copper.
Metalworking encompasses a wide range of processes, which can be broadly categorised into four main groups: removal, forming, treating, and
protection. Most everyday items undergo multiple processes during their manufacturing. For instance, consider a piston from an internal combustion engine – it would have been shaped through sawing, forging, milling, and drilling, and may have also undergone a quenching process to ensure its strength during operation. If the piston was stored before use, a protective film might have been applied.
All these operations have one thing in common – they require the use of metalworking fluids. Just like in other areas of lubrication, legislation has driven changes in formulations and product types in the metalworking fluid landscape. It is important to consider these four main categories when examining metalworking fluids.
Straight oils
Straight oils, also known as neat oils, are composed of either mineral or synthetic oil. Unlike other types of metalworking fluids, straight oils are used in their pure, undiluted form. They are often fortified with additives to enhance their performance and provide superior lubrication and protection.
Continued on page 22 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.181 JUNE 2024 21
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