A study indicates that the CNC market will reach $15 billion by 2026. This means CNC machine coolants are gaining popularity worldwide. So, let's talk about CNC machines and their coolants. CNC machines manufacture, mold, and cut different metals. These metals include steel, polymers, and wood. These machines produce a lot of heat during this process. Thus, we require a CNC coolant.
CNC machine coolant is a lubricant. It minimizes heat. It also clears dust particles from the machine. It aids machines to work at peak performance. Moreover, It increases the machine's lifespan. In this article, we will discuss the top CNC coolants, their features, and their benefits. This will help you select the best machine coolant for your CNC machine.
Various kinds of CNC machine coolants are present in the market. So, choosing the appropriate coolant can be a difficult task. They are divided into four major categories. Here are the different types of CNC coolants.
Oil-based coolants are also known as neat oils. They are designed for heavy machinery. They are made from a mixture of base oils and additives. Additionally, they are suitable for materials that need a high level of lubrication. They are generally suitable for cast iron, bronze, and plastics. Their main attributes are:
● Excellent lubrication
● Good corrosion protection
● Higher viscosity than water-soluble coolants
● More expensive than water-soluble coolants
Emulsions are another name for water-soluble coolants. They are a combination of water and oil. They are widely used in machining metals like steel, aluminum, and copper. They have good cooling properties. They are best for general-purpose machining and grinding. Moreover, they combine with a certain quantity of rust inhibitors to provide resistance against rust. The concentration ratio of different water-soluble coolants is different. But a typical ratio is 1 part coolant to 10-20 parts water. The following are their key characteristics:
● Efficient heat dissipation
● Moderate lubrication
● Easy to clean
● Budget Friendly
Semi-synthetic coolants are also referred to as hybrid coolants. They are a combination of water-soluble and oil-based coolants. They provide a balance between cooling and lubrication.
This makes them suitable for a wide range of machining applications. Plus, they are heat sensitive. Typically, these semi-synthetic coolants are translucent. Their notable features are:
● Good cooling properties
● Lessens friction
● Better corrosion protection than water-soluble coolants
● More expensive than water-soluble coolants
Synthetic coolants are also known as synthetic metalworking fluids. Synthetic fluids have good microbiological control. They are also resistant to oxidation. They are mostly composed of poly alpha olefins, polyalkylene glycols, and esters. They may also contain corrosion inhibitors such as amines and phosphates. They are ideal for high-speed machining operations. Moreover, they are also used for tough materials. Here are the key specifications:
● High lubricity
● Good corrosion protection
● More expensive than other types of coolants
● Suitable for aerospace and automotive industries.
There are numerous types of CNC coolants available on the market. So it can be difficult to select the best CNC coolant. Let us provide you with simple steps for selecting CNC machine coolant.
1. First, check that the coolant matches with your desired material.
2. Then, consider your machine's design and condition.
3. Now check that the coolant is compatible with your machine's coolant delivery system.
4. After that, confirm if the coolant is environment friendly or not
5. While choosing the coolant, think about your requirements and expectations
6. Different types of coolants have different pros and cons. So, you have to decide between water-soluble, oil-based, and synthetic coolants.
7. You must use the coolant in appropriate concentrations for maximum results
8. You can also consult the manufacturer's guidelines for better coolant selection
Now you are well aware of different kinds of CNC coolants. So let's explain the top 12 CNC coolants in 2024
Benz has manufactured CNC coolants since 1898. They also provide custom coolants and fluids according to customer demands. They manufacture a wide range of CNC coolants. Their coolants will help your CNC machines work efficiently. Their coolants will protect your machine from damage. Moreover, their coolants are almost compatible with every metal type.
Blaser Swisslube is a renowned Swiss company. They have been producing CNC coolants for almost 80 years. Their products meet the needs of various industries. They are suitable for the automotive, aerospace, and medical sectors. These CNC machine coolants provide a smooth surface finish. They also increase the lifespan of your machine.
Master Chemical is a renowned US-based company with over 60 years of experience. They produce the best CNC coolants, grinding fluids, and cutting oils. Master Chemical focuses on producing coolants that are environment-friendly. They also provide custom coolants according to your needs. They manufacture both water-soluble and oil-based coolants. These coolants reduce friction. They also offer training programs for customers.
The copper-bearing Hangsterfer’s S-500 CF is a chlorine-free coolant. It is particularly costly for its outstanding stability and bio resistance. Its high lubricity increases tool life, and its formulation produces a low mist that minimizes the contamination of the working environment. Besides this. this coolant is suitable for numerous machining processes and provides smoother finishes to the workpiece. It also requires less change and is considered the best coolant for precision machining.
Cimcool Cimtech 410 is a kind of synthetic coolant. It ultimately provides low foam characteristics and has recorded high corrosion protection. It also fits well in high-pressure environments and results in lowering the use of coolant while increasing the surface finish. Broadly, it has a stable formulation that guarantees its long sump life. However, it is suitable for major metal working operations like grinding, and heavy cutting among others.
Proprietary synthetic coolants, long-life, low-odor, no-rust, Crane’s TRIM E206 is a multipurpose coolant. It is effectively compatible with more than one metal type. Most of its applications are relatively odorless, and a longer sump life in its crankcase lowers work interruptions. In general, this coolant is quite adaptable and provides constant performance to various types of machining processes. It also works to extend the tool’s durability and increase rates of production.
QualiChem XTREME CUT 250C is a semi-synthetic coolant. Besides this, it is highly lubricating while at the same time, it has a desirable biostability. They give improved surface finish rates and increase the life of the tool. So, it will make precision machining perfect for its use. Thus, they foamed reasonably well, much better than their counterparts. So, it makes high-pressure system performance satisfactory and maintenance requirements low.
Houghton Hocut 795-H is a low-foaming multi-metal compatible with high bio-stability. It offers good lubricity and anti-corrosive properties. So, they can enhance tool life and enhance machining operations. It is specifically developed for high-pressure controls to operate most of the metalworking processes. Moreover, it provides adequate coolant.
Accu-Lube LB-1000 coolant is green in the formulation and derived from the plant. It is non-toxic to operators in the plant. Due to its good wetting ability, it greatly minimizes tool wear rates and improves the rate of machining. This coolant is suitable for any task that demands a fine finish and tolerances and thus it supports a green and safe workplace.
QualiChem XTREME CUT 230 is a semi-synthetic coolant that has a low smell and N. B. D. LA is very slowly biodegraded. To sum up, it is used in high pressure, important in cooling and lubrication. This coolant improves the machining process by combating heat and friction. Moreover, it raises the lifespan of a tool as it provides high-quality finishes on the product.
Chevron Soluble Oil B is a formula of emulsifiable metalworking fluid, This is quite prominent for lubricating and cooling properties. It has many applications in several operations, i.e. turning, milling, and grinding. So, it has great application in the field of machining. The coolant mixes well with water to form a stable emulsion. It ultimately provides good corrosion protection that in essence increases tool life. Also, its formulation assists in keeping the surfaces of the machines free from any dirt. Moreover, it helps prevent the growth of bacteria to create a healthier working environment.
Mobilcut 250 is a very active, general-purpose semi-synthetic coolant. It is generally used for general purposes in machining. It provides superior cooling and wetting characteristics that decrease friction and heat. Besides this, its coolant meets a streak of compatible metal and adapts superior surface finishes as well as longer tool durability. Readily biodegradable, it has low foaming and bacterial growth. So, it may require less maintenance, and result in a longer life. Moreover, it is favorably positioned at a cheaper price point for many machining firms.
The candidate product is Castrol Hysol MB 50 a soluble oil coolant that carries remarkable features. It has lubricating ability and the ability to protect the system from biological contaminants. So, it can help reduce the chip temperature and boost the effectiveness of the machining process in cooling chips. Its working fluid of this type has many applications in high-strength operations and when working with hard materials. Its high level of performance is a strong point in terms of corrosion. So, it ultimately increases the life of tools and machines for machining applications.
Fuchs Ecocool Global 10 is a coolant completely approved worldwide. It is miscible with water and recommended for use in a variety of machining and grinding processes. Besides this, it increases the workpiece, and tool life, and provides better finishes due to its superb and effective cooling. This coolant is bio-stable, which will not get rotten and thus prolong the useful life of the sump. One advantage of the fluid is that it is characterized by low foam. It will be perfect for use in high-pressure and other industrial applications.
Here are certain benefits and limitations of CNC coolant.
1. Improve Tool Life: They help reduce heat and friction, Besides this, these CNC coolants extend the life of cutting tools.
2. Improved Surface Finish: They provide lubrication and cooling that may result in smoother surface finishes.
3. Higher Machining Speeds: CNC Coolant increases the cutting speeds and feeds. Besides this, it also improves productivity.
4. Corrosion Protection: CNC Coolants help prevent rust and corrosion on both workpieces and machine parts.
5. Chip Removal: It helps in the efficient removal of chips and also maintains a clean work area.
6. Temperature Control: CNC Coolants also help manage stable temperatures. Moreover, it reduces the thermal distortion.
1. Cost: the disadvantage of coolant systems is that purchase costs of coolant and equipment are relatively high at the beginning.
2. Environmental Impact: Coolant disposal and handling of the used product can at times be considered environmentally sensitive.
3. Health Risks: Certain coolants can affect skin reactions and cause damage to the respiratory system.
4. Maintenance: This requires constant monitoring to avoid bacterial infestation before they get to their optimal effectiveness.
5. Contamination: Coolants, however, may get contaminated by metal particles and oils. They will eventually reduce their efficiency.
6. Complexity: MUST be properly chosen and controlled to correspond to certain features of machining operations and used materials.
To sum up, CNC coolants are essential components of the CNC machining industry. They prevent the loss of heat. They also remove the dust from your machine. Hence, they facilitate smooth machine operation. Different CNC coolants are present in the market. Some of them are water-soluble, oil-based, and synthetic coolants. Before choosing the CNC coolant, you have to consider several factors such as your machine's compatibility, your requirements, etc. Moreover, the three top brands that synthesize the best CNC coolants are Benz, Blaser Swisslube, Master Chemical, etc.
Can I use tap water with my CNC machine coolant?
No, tap water may contain minerals and impurities. This can affect coolant performance and stability. So, it is better to use distilled water instead of tap water.
Are CNC machine coolants environmentally friendly?
All CNC machine coolants are not environmentally friendly. But, many modern coolants are eco-friendly and biodegradable. You can look for products with eco-friendly labels.