Cutting fluid lubricates and cools metal during cutting, reducing heat and friction. It allows for tighter tolerances and safer working conditions, but can be toxic and must be disposed of properly.
Cutting fluid is a compound available for use in metalworking to lubricate and cool metal while a worker cuts and shapes it. With few exceptions, people like to work metal “wet,” with cutting fluid, because it’s safer and easier than working with dry metal. A number of companies produce a range of such processing products, ranging from pastes to aerosol sprays. Processing plants usually keep several types in stock to make sure people have access to the materials they need.
When people cut metal, the friction generates a lot of heat. This heat can warp both metal and cutting tools, making coolant critical. The cutting fluid helps to cool the metal, as well as lubricate to reduce friction, limiting the amount of heating during the cutting process. This allows people to cut to tighter tolerances, producing precisely machined parts, and also keeps the work environment safer. If the metal gets too hot, it can crack or explode under stress, damaging equipment and putting workers at risk.
The cutting fluid helps maintain a stable temperature, limiting the risk of thermal shock, where metals heat up or cool down very quickly. Even if the temperatures are within a safe range for the metal, the rapidity of temperature changes creates stress. The fluids also trap dust, metal particles and swarf, contributing to worker safety by limiting the chances of inhaling metal particles, in combination with face protection such as respirators. Specific compounds can confer additional benefits, depending on the product.
Cutting fluids can be painted, poured, sprayed, or otherwise applied. Thick compounds like pastes and gels may require hand application, to ensure they spread evenly. Thinner fluids can work in a sprayer. Often, machining equipment has a built-in sprayer for lubrication and cooling, so people don’t have to apply cutting fluid with a separate device.
One risk with cutting fluid is the danger posed by the fluid itself. Some are toxic and can make a workplace unsafe unless people handle them properly and dispose of them after use. Metalworkers can recycle cutting fluid, but it can eventually become clogged with metal particles, rendering it useless. Facilities must install proper fluid collection equipment so that it can be recycled or disposed of, and some companies use products such as biodegradable cutting fluids to reduce environmental hazards.
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