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Cutting fluid analysis

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CUTTING FLUID : ANALYSIS & DIAGNOSTIC

Cutting fluid is a lubricant designed specifically for metalworking processes. There are different technologies of cutting fluids : synthetic, semi-synthetic, mineral or vegetal based emulsions, etc.

This aqueous base liquid evolves regularly over time, depending on product losses (projections, evaporation), pollution, percentage top up, etc. It is therefore necessary to monitor regularly the conditions of the cutting liquid.

Analysing the physico-chemical characteristics of cutting fluid allows : to check the concentrations of the product, to guarantee a good lubrication necessary for the quality of the surface conditions, to reduce oil change, to limit the maintenance costs of oil change (destruction, cleaning, filling, etc.), and to control the machining costs (tool consumption, scrap rates, etc.).

In addition to an economic aspect, the cutting fluid monitoring also enables to control the quality of the working environment and thus to prevent the risks to the health of the operators.

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Analyses and checked points

Bath stability

Aspect
pH : indicator of stability of the emulsion, NFT 78-103
Salting out 24h : indicator of stability and presence of tramp oil
Bacteria : development of microorganisms is a degradation factor of the soluble, NF M07-070

Concentrations

Refractometry concentration
Acidimetry concentration: measurement of concentration by alkaline reserve
Concentration by acid breaking: calcul of the concentration by measuring the quantity of oil contained in the emulsion

These 3 complementary methods each measure a characteristic of the emulsion. The interpretation of the results of the three methods thus ensures an accurate diagnosis.

Tramp oil content: estimation by calculation of pollution from lubricating oils.

Complementary analysis

ICP (Spectrometry), NFT 60-106
Hardness of the bath
Chlorides: corrosion control
Solid impurities content: quantifies the filtration quality of the cutting liquid, ISO 4405 (modified)

Others tests

The tests below are not part of the classic sequences but can be carried out according to the wishes or problems encountered.

CNOMO foaming test
Corrosion (IP287)
Measurement of formaldehydes, nitrites, … (prevention of health risks)
Test Reichert
4 balls test
Ability to separate tramp oil
Surface tension
…

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Interpretation of results and diagnosis

From results of analyses transmitted by our laboratory, our team of diagnosticians-consultants will provide you with a detailed and reliable diagnostic on the condition and properties of your cutting fluid. We also propose customised recommendations to assist you in the conditional maintenance of your equipment.

Expert Advice

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We assist you to define a sampling frequency (weekly, monthly, bimonthly) adapted to your process and environment. A regular monitoring is a key element for stabilizing the parameters of the cutting fluid, controlling its operating cost, etc.

Water analysis

Water represents a large part of a soluble cutting fluid. Knowing the nature of the water used to make the mixture can help in diagnosis. IESPM recommends a dedicated analysis: pH, ICP, hardness, chlorides, presence of micro-organisms, etc.

This post is also available in: French