How to reduce tool wear in machining

Tool wear in machining has three main culprits: excessive temperature in the cutting zone, friction at the chip-tool interface and mechanical shock. The cutting fluid acts directly on the first two, and the wrong choice of fluid is one of the most common causes of premature replacement of inserts, taps and drills.

In severe operations such as threading, deep drilling and machining of alloy and stainless steels, the fluid needs extreme-pressure (EP) additives. These additives react chemically with the metal surface under high temperature and pressure, forming a layer that prevents the microscopic welding between chip and tool, the main wear mechanism under these conditions.

Beyond the choice of fluid, application matters: flow rate and direction of the jet at the cutting zone, correct concentration (in soluble fluids), and conservation of the charge in use. Degraded fluid loses its additives and contaminates the process.

Lubricorte 27 EP was formulated for these severe operations, with a proven gain in tool life and finish. Combined with Ultra Bac SC to conserve the charge in central systems, the cost per machined part drops measurably.

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