Metalworking

lubricant, usually petroleum-based, that facilitates the cutting or shaping of metal. Basic types of metalworking lubricants are: water miscible (ISO MA) and non-water miscible (ISO MH) metalworking fluids. Both types used in metal forming and in metal cutting.

Water miscible metalworking fluids, usually petroleum-based, for cooling and lubricating the tool and work in metal cutting operations. Some fluids are fortified with EP additives to facilitate cutting of hard metals, to improve finishes, and to lengthen tool life. Most water miscible metalworking fluids fall into three basic categories:

1. emulsifiable (soluble) oils, mineral oils dispersed as minute droplets in water to combine the lubricating properties of the oil with the cooling properties of water (since emulsifiable oils are subject to bacterial action and resultant odors, they may contain a bactericide);
2. semi-synthetic fluids, water-dilutable fluids that combine the lubricity of soluble oils with the advantages of synthetics;
3. synthetic fluids, blends of chemical agents in water for improved machining speed, cooling, and tool life. These fluids are transparent to provide a better view of the work.

Non water miscible metalworking fluids that react chemically with metal surfaces are called active oils; these lubricants have improved load-carrying properties, but may stain non-ferrous metals. The inactive oils are sulfurized oils too, which can use at the operations of non-ferrus metals. Straight oils, mineral oils blended with fatty oils for good wetting and penetrating characteristics and a good-machined finish. Drawing oils a lubricant for the die or blank used to shape the metal; often contains EP additives to increase die life and to improve the surface finish of the metal being drawn.