Figure 1: Shows residue/soap formation. Features an emulsion of HOCUT®
4260 and two benchmarks in Quaker Houghton’s proprietary recirculation test.
The frequency of coolant additions needed to maintain concentration can vary significantly depending on the product used. Using a proprietary stress test to evaluate emulsion stability and foam behaviour, Quaker Houghton compared the performance of its HOCUT®
4260 against several
coolants common to the aerospace industry. In addition to demonstrating excellent emulsion stability through a lack of residue and soap formation, HOCUT®
4260 provided a sustained low foaming profile and rapid foam break behaviour. [1]
One of the primary purposes of metalworking fluids is to provide cooling during metal removal operations. High temperatures generated in the machining process can facilitate the creation of stress points in finished products, potentially leading to cracking or other forms of failure resulting in scrappage. When controlling temperature, water is much more effective than air at heat transfer. As the level of air within a fluid increases (represented by foam/ entrained air) machining performance and tool life will suffer. This makes foam control and entrained air a very important aspect of metalworking fluid design. The ability of HOCUT®
4260 to rapidly release
air and generate low foam levels offers a significant advantage over the competition.
As well as compromising machining performance, excessive levels of foaming can also present challenges on the factory floor. Process solutions can sometimes foam out of the tank and create wet, slippery surfaces which are a significant safety concern. While this issue
16 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.189 OCTOBER 2025
can often be resolved by simply adding a de-foamer, this solution can become expensive and over prolonged periods of use, result in residue build-up and filter clogging.
Foam Collapse Time - Soft Water
Figure 2: Foam data showcasing the performance of HOCUT® common benchmarks.
4260 versus
4260 was evaluated against other aerospace coolants in the machining of titanium in a face milling operation. Conditions were varied to be consistent with both rough and finish milling operations. Under both conditions, HOCUT®
4260 offered a low wear
rate, low cutting power, and long tool life. This performance is supported by independent testing, which secured a leading aerospace standard for
In addition to emulsion stability and foam behaviour, the lubrication characteristics of the coolant itself can offer significant advantages to a machining operation. HOCUT®
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