When carrying out CNC Machining processes on metals it's important to use the best cutting fluid available for many reasons. Heat generation is always a big issue for us all. By using a soluble cutting oil you can reduce heat build-up and therefore improve tool life and efficiency. Neat cutting oil has poorer cooling capacity than soluble and lends itself more to machining of brass and aluminium. When manufacturing turned components from materials such as steel and stainless steel, soluble fluid is in it's own league. The water based coolant offers excellent dissipation of heat from the workpiece and cutting tool.
Requirement of Additives for Soluble CNC Machining Cutting Fluids
Everything is not all rosy as soluble oils require additives to avoid damage to machine tools and workpieces. Special minerals/agents are added in order to negate the rusting effect that water can cause to metal. Hence, damage could occur to machined parts and CNC Machinery without these advanced properties. Additives also aid tool life and cooling capability that could not be achieved by water alone. Some machine tools have to be adapted for soluble oil in order to avoid damage to mechanical and electrical components. Sliding head machines are better suited to neat cutting oil as they require oil to lubricate the slides.
Our Opinion on Soluble and Neat Cutting Fluids……
As a precision CNC Machining company we have great experience in using both types of cutting fluids and both have their place in the machine shop. As expressed above you can’t hide the advantages gained from the cooling capacity and tool life gains achieved with a good soluble oil. On the other hand, the neat cutting oil is great for Sliding Head Machining. For instance, when lubrication is important and small diameter workpieces are being machined (minimal heat generation).
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