Cutting & Coolant Fluids

Whether you're drilling, milling, turning or even grinding a good cutting fluid will help ensure your process operates smoothly. The Cromwell range of lubricants and chemicals features a large selection of cutting fluids from well known brands like Fuchs, Molyslip, Dormer and many more. Metalworking fluids can pose hazards that must be managed; learn more with our Working With Metalworking Fluids Guide.

What are cutting fluids?

In short cutting fluids are fluids that are used in cutting or machining applications. Cutting fluid performs several functions cooling and lubricating the cutting surfaces involved, including the equipment and the workpiece.

Cutting fluid is necessary to increase production efficiency as it helps reduce friction and remove heat which can cause long term degradation to tooling and damage the workpiece.

Types of cutting fluids

Neat Cutting Oils
•Straight Oil - These non-emulsifying oils are used without diluting them with water. They are mostly mineral and petroleum-based, offering superb lubrication.
•Mineral Oil - Typically found in machines with heavy cutting operations and high metal removal rates, where excellent lubricating properties are key.
•Cutting Oil - A mix of mineral and fatty oil, cutting oil functions as both a lubricant and a coolant. Cutting oil provides good lubrication and cooling.

Soluble Cutting Fluid
•Soluble/Semi-Soluble Cutting Fluids - These fluids form an emulsion when mixed with water. They are suitable for a wide range of machining operations and provide good lubrication and cooling, however they can cause rust if not properly maintained.
•Synthetic Cutting Fluid - Contain no mineral oil or petroleum and are predominantly water-based. They have exceptional cooling properties and are often clear, allowing for better visibility of the workpiece.
•System Cleaner - System cleaners are essential for maintaining clean and efficient machinery. Used to clean the entire fluid systems in machining operations. They remove sludge, residues and microorganisms to maintain the efficiency and longevity of the cutting fluids.

•Additives - Added to cutting fluids to enhance their properties. They help improve the performance, extend the life of the cutting fluids and protect the machine and workpiece.

•Cutting & Tapping Fluid - Specifically made for cutting and tapping operations. These fluids provide excellent lubrication and cooling, reduce friction and wear on tools. They help achieve better surface finishes and prolong the life of cutting tools.

•Cutting & Grinding Fluid - Designed for both cutting and grinding operations. They provide a balance of cooling and lubrication to handle the high temperatures and friction generated during these processes.

•Coolants - Primarily used for cooling purposes during machining operations. They are often water-based and may include additives for enhanced performance. Coolants help to dissipate heat generated during cutting, reduce thermal deformation of the workpiece and extend the life of cutting tools.

Considerations when choosing cutting fluids

The type of machining involved - For heavier operations a heavier cutting oil will be needed.

The cutting tools involved - High speed steel can be used with most types of cutting oils, but in the case of tungsten carbide which produces a lot of heat an oil with good cooling characteristics.