Proper Coolant Selection for your Metalworking Facility

​Metalworking fluids have different performance properties depending on their chemical composition. This can be oil level, extreme pressure additives, cleanliness properties, biocide levels and a variety of other factors.

Below are 10 factors we consider when recommending a metalworking fluid.

1. Size of the shop – Smaller shops tend to be more general and maybe a smaller more confined area. 
2. Type of Machines – Some machines/jobs are designed to run straight oil.
3. Coolant tank size and filtration – Important if we are testing to determine amount of product needed. Larger shops may have centralized coolant management systems.
4. Severity of Operation – The severity of the operation will dictate the lubricity requirements of the fluid. There are two types of lubricity, Physical and Chemical.
5. Materials – The kind of material being machined is very important in fluid selection. The corrosion control and/or staining properties may not make a fluid compatible.
6. Water Quality - Corrosion, Residue, Rancidity, foam, excess concentration usage can all be caused by the water quality. Total hardness has the greatest effect on the fluid mix. This hardness is often caused by dissolved minerals, usually calcium and magnesium. Ideal water hardness ranges from 80 to 125 ppm
7. Current Issues – This will help us try to solve any problems they are currently having
8. Current Product / Usage - What aspects of the current product do you like or dislike. This could be anything from performance to smell.
9. Product Preference – Does the Customer prefer Soluble, Semi, Synthetic or Straight oil 
10. Desired Improvement - What are the biggest factors that you want to change and improve.

If you are thinking about making a change then take a few moments and fill out out Coolant Questionnaire.