How to choose the right cutting fluid for each material

There is no universal cutting fluid. The choice starts with the material being machined: carbon steels and alloys call for good lubricity and extreme-pressure additives to contain wear; stainless and superalloys, which work-harden and generate a lot of heat, require reinforced cooling and anti-welding action; aluminum needs a fluid that prevents staining and chip adhesion; and cast iron, which releases abrasive dust, usually calls for a fluid with good settling and filtration.

The second criterion is the operation and its severity. Deep drilling, threading and broaching concentrate heat and friction and benefit from neat oils or richer emulsions. Turning and high-speed milling, on the other hand, prioritize cooling and cleaning of the cutting zone. The application method (flood, mist or minimum quantity) also changes the choice between soluble, semi-synthetic, synthetic or neat oil.

The practical rule is to match material, operation and machine, and then standardize to reduce errors on the shop floor. JEFLUB's Lubricorte line ranges from vegetable and semi-synthetic oils to fluids with EP additives for severe operations. Send the material, operation and machine to our technical team and we will indicate the ideal fluid and concentration.

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