Page 2 - Coolant - Houghton Training
P. 2
Metal Working Fluids - Chemistry
Metalworking fluids all start on the formulator’s chemistry lab bench, where
chemists blend various compounds, much like a kitchen recipe. Most of these
ingredients are publicly known and governmentally approved as being safe.
A few ingredients are proprietary. Both will be listed on the fluid’s Material Safety
Data Sheet, or MSDS. Just knowing the ingredient, however, is not enough to
make the coolant yourself- how it is used, at what stage of the recipe, and exactly
how it is added are also critical to its function.
The main property the chemist will impart is the ability for the coolant to emulsify
into water (except straight oils) and remain stable as an emulsion over a wide
temperature range. Other properties are for the coolant to prevent rust on parts
and machines, reject tramp oils which cause biofilms and excessive mist, provide
the right amount of lubricity so tools and metals do not weld together, and to
prevent foaming. Biocides will be added to the recipe as well, in safe amounts, to
prevent unwanted biological activity.
