Cutting oils (Metal Working Fluids / Coolants) for metal processing industries are generally divided into 4 main types based on the ratio of the mixture and base oil, as follows:
1. Pure Oil Cutting Oils (Neat Oils)
• Characteristics: 100% petroleum oil, not mixed with water.
• Advantages: Excellent lubrication, high pressure resistance, extends the life of cutting tools, does not cause rust.
• Applications: Suitable for applications requiring very high lubrication, such as deep boring and tapping operations.
2. Water-soluble or Emulsion Cutting Oils (Soluble Oils / Emulsion)
• Characteristics: Consists of mineral oil (30-85%) mixed with an emulsifier to break down the oil and allow it to mix with water. When mixed, it has a milky appearance.
• Advantages: Excellent heat dissipation, cost-effective.
• Applications: Suitable for general applications such as turning and milling.
3. Semi-synthetic Cutting Oils (Semi-Synthetic)
• Characteristics: A blend of mineral oil (5-30%), water (30-50%), and synthetic chemicals.
• Advantages: More translucent than milky type, excellent heat dissipation, superior lubrication, and does not easily become foul-smelling.
• Applications: Suitable for medium to high-speed CNC applications.
4. Synthetic Coolant
• Characteristics: Contains no petroleum oil; a synthetic chemical mixture with water.
• Advantages: Provides the best heat dissipation; clear and clean, allowing clear visibility of the workpiece; does not leave sticky oily residue.
• Applications: Suitable for high-speed CNC applications or grinding work.
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Furthermore, in the automotive category, the term “coolant” is categorized according to the chemical used to prevent rust and extend service life. There are two main types:
• Premix: Can be added directly to the radiator without adding water.
• Concentrate: Requires mixing with distilled water in the specified ratio before use.
