Metalworking fluids are important as they lubricate, cool, and reduce friction during the metalworking processes. They also support surface finishes and reduce heat and wear on machine components. Choosing the best metalworking fluid is challenging because of the many options available. This blog sheds light on some of the best metalworking fluids available in the market in the UAE.

Types of Metalworking Fluids

There are many types of metalworking fluids, but they can be classified into four primary categories:

  1. Straight oils are refined petroleum or vegetable oils used in heavy-duty machining operations. They have excellent lubrication but they are not good cooling agents.
  2. Soluble oils are a mixture of water and oil that provide both cooling and lubrication. They are versatile and are therefore generally used in many different metalworking applications.
  3. Semi-synthetic fluids result from mixing water with fewer oil and chemical additives. These fluids are better coolants than soluble oils and have good lubrication properties.
  4. Synthetic fluids are oil-free fluids made from water and chemicals. They are best for excellent cooling and are perfect for high-speed machining. However, since they do not contain oil, they do not have great lubrication properties.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Metalworking Fluids

The choice of a suitable metalworking fluid depends on several factors. Here are a few factors that are important while selecting a metalworking fluid.

  • Knowing the kind of operation is most crucial. It determines the particular needs for fluid and cooling conditions.
  • The type of material is another key factor. Each type of fluid reacts differently to different metals. For example, aluminum requires fluids that prevent staining and corrosion. But harder alloys like stainless steel require fluids with high lubricity.
  • The fluid type also depends on the speed of the operation. High-speed operations, for example, will require more cooling.
  • Environmental concerns should be taken into account when choosing metalworking fluids. Nontoxic and biodegradable fluids are a better choice as they are safer for the environment. These fluids are especially important for the safety of the workers.

The Top Metalworking Fluids Available in UAE

1. Mobilcut 102 (Mobil Industrial Lubricants)

Mobilcut 102 is a water-soluble coolant that is best suited for general processes. This fluid offers improved cooling characteristics. This makes it suitable for high-speed operations such as milling and drilling. Its forte lies in preventing rust. Through this, components and tools made of metal will not wear out quickly. It’s effective at ferrous metals, and it gives an excellent balance of lubrication and cooling. Moreover, it also has low foaming, so there will not be delays due to foaming.

2. Castrol Hysol XBB

Castrol Hysol XBB is a semi-synthetic metal cutting fluid. It is used for extending the life of tools. This fluid resists the bacteria and fungi that cause chemical deterioration over time. This is necessary for operations that have long production cycles. It is also chlorine-free, which makes it a more environmentally friendly product. It offers a high level of anti-corrosion performance, so it is used in moist conditions. It does not contain toxins, which means it is safe for the workers.

3. ATLANTIC SYN-CUT OIL

ATLANTIC SYN-CUT OIL is a high-performance, semi-synthetic fluid. It offers excellent cooling and lubrication properties. This is used for moderate- and heavy-duty machining operations on ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Among other notable abilities, this fluid has impressive cooling properties that make it ideal for high-speed operations. It also provides exemplary corrosion protection while minimizing foaming. It is highly recommended for all kinds of machining operations due to its excellent properties.

4. Blaser Swisslube Vasco 7000

Blaser Swisslube Vasco 7000 is one of the premium metalworking fluids based on vegetable esters. It can handle any application that requires the best lubricity. It is particularly useful in applications requiring that precision. The product minimizes heat and friction during the cutting and increases the life of cutting tools. Its biodegradable formula makes it safe for the environment. It is also safe for the workers as they can use it without the risk of being exposed to toxicity.

5. Quaker Houghton Q-CUT 215C

Quaker Houghton Q-CUT 215C is a straight oil that is used in various metalworking operations. The lubricant is excellent for difficult-to-machine materials such as hardened steels and alloys. Its chief advantage lies in the fact that it decreases the wear of the mechanical components. It possesses high oxidation stability, increasing the lifespan of the fluid with reduced change frequency. Although it has fewer cooling properties than soluble fluids, its lubrication power is unparalleled in extreme operations.

6. Hang Sterner’s S-500CF

Hangsterfer’s S-500CF is a chlorine-free, semi-synthetic fluid that provides cooling and lubrication. Therefore, it serves the purpose of high-pressure operations. S-500CF offers superior environmental and health safety. It is being used in the medicine and aerospace fields where cleanliness is the utmost priority. It is used with many material variations, such as stainless steel, titanium, and nickel alloys. It provides a long sump life, contributing less to frequent maintenance and minimizing downtime and operation costs.

7. Master Chemical CutMax 455

Master Chemical’s CutMax 455 is a fully synthetic fluid that has extreme cooling properties. It is useful in high-speed operations such as grinding because of its excellent cooling properties. CutMax 455, being water-based, is very effective with cooling. It does not produce foam during the operation and is used on a variety of materials like steel, cast iron, and even aluminum. It can be used on a variety of materials, like steel, cast iron, and even aluminum. The fluid offers outstanding chip removal properties for the metal in machining.

Selecting a high-performing metalworking fluid  in the UAE is crucial. It makes all the difference in mechanical operations. No matter the type of fluid you are looking for, you can find the best options in the UAE. This will ensure that you get the best results based on the specificity of the operation. A good metalworking fluid not only helps you meet the industry standards, it also helps you create a safe and efficient workspace.