Basic Coolant Categories
What You Need To Know
Semi-Synthetics & Micro Emulsions:
Have less than 30% mineral oil content in concentrate & the concentrate contains water. Dilution appears translucent.
One of the benefits is short term rust protection as the coolant leaves an oily film on parts. Products reject tramp oils effectively, and the emulsions are very stable and long-lasting. Better cooling allows higher cutting speeds and they combine the best features of synthetics and soluble oils.
Semi-synthetic emulsions provide micro-sized oil droplets, beneficial in single-point turning applications that require optimal cooling with less lubrication.
Our semi-synthetics are perfect for powdered metals that produce sand-like swarf instead of chips, preventing filter clogging and sump clinker formation. They are also excellent for cast iron machining, sawing and grinding applications.
Semi-synthetic coolants excel in cleanliness and workpiece visibility.
Soluble Oils:
These products were the first generation of “coolants” and because of their many advantages, they are still in use today. Over the years, many enhancements have been formulated into these products like extended sump life and low foam for high pressure applications.
- Composition: Contains more than 30% mineral oil and no water in concentrate. When diluted, they have a milky appearance rather than a translucent one.
- Cost Efficiency: More economical than straight or neat oils, as they can be diluted with water, reducing costs without significantly compromising tooling effectiveness.
- Cooling Efficiency: Soluble oils provide 2 to 3 times better cooling than straight oils.
- Versatility: Their emulsions are highly versatile and suitable for most machining and grinding applications across a wide range of materials.
- Health and Safety Benefits: Compared to straight oils, soluble oils offer improved health and safety in the shop environment, with no fire hazard and reduced oil misting and fogging.
- Ease of Management: Among water-extendable metal removal fluids, soluble oils are the most forgiving when it comes to concentration fluctuations and poor management.
- Residue Characteristics: The residues left by soluble oils are generally oily and not sticky.
Neat Oils:
Primarily composed of naphthenic or paraffinic base oils, neat oils contain extreme pressure additives like chlorine, sulfur, and fats. They do not emulsify with water and do not contain any water. Neat oils are typically used in Swiss-style screw machines, deep/gun drilling, EDM, threading, and grinding applications.
Synthetic Coolants:
Do Not Contain Any Mineral Oil. Synthetics provide:
- Rapid heat dissipation
- Excellent workpiece visibility
- Total rejection of tramp oils possible
- Usually easy to measure and control concentration. Bacterial attack may be easier to control
- Stable and potentially long-lasting
- No oil mist problem; no oil disposal concerns
- Easily filtered
- Recycling or reclaiming is usually highly effective
- Low consumption due to the fact that synthetics are true solutions with no droplet formation adding to carry off issues
Selecting the Right Coolant
If you have questions, consult with our technical team for assistance.