05 Nov 2025

Tool Breakage, Rough Surface Finish? Fix It with the Right Cutting Fluid

The main problems that cause rapid tool wear and substandard surface finish often stem from the coolant's inability to provide "lubrication" and "heat dissipation" effectively.

Reasons Why Your Fluid Fails:

• Low Concentration: Insufficient lubrication leads to high friction, heat buildup, and built-up edge (BUE) on the cutting tool.

• Tramp Oil Contamination: This blocks heat dissipation, causing excessive heat buildup that makes the cutting edge lose hardness and wear prematurely.

How to Stop the Damage: Choosing the 'Right Fluid for the Job' is Key

Selecting a cutting fluid isn't just about topping it off; it's about choosing the right tool for the job.

• Select the Correct Fluid Type: This is the most crucial part. Choose the type of fluid (Soluble, Semi-Synthetic, Synthetic) that is appropriate for the workpiece material (metal) and the cutting speed. This ensures the best balance between lubrication and heat dissipation.

  • Oil-Based Fluids (Soluble/Semi-Synthetic): Provide high lubrication, suitable for difficult-to-cut metals, heavy-duty applications, or jobs requiring a premium surface finish.

  • Synthetic Fluids: Focus on maximum heat dissipation, ideal for high-speed applications where significant heat is generated.

• Precisely Control the Concentration: Use a Refractometer to measure the value, and don't forget to multiply by the specific "Factor" for each fluid model. This ensures that the lubricating and cooling properties are always at the manufacturer's specified level.

At Focus Mechanic, we have cutting fluids for all your application needs, and we offer laboratory services to check your coolant quality, so you can be worry-free about workpiece issues.

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