Metal forming processes such as cutting, stamping, bending, drilling, and honing require the use of lubricants and coolants to protect both the tooling and the metal parts involved. These essential fluids help mitigate the high temperatures generated by the extreme friction in metal forming operations. In this blog post, we will delve into the four primary types of metal forming lubricants and coolants: straight oil, emulsified oil, synthetic oil, and semi-synthetic oil.
Straight Oil:
Straight oils, also known as neat oils, are predominantly composed of mineral oil or petroleum-based fluids. They may incorporate additives like extreme pressure (EP) agents, anti-wear compounds, and rust inhibitors. Straight oils exhibit excellent lubrication and cooling capabilities due to their high viscosity. However, their limited water solubility might necessitate the addition of supplementary additives for specific applications.
- EZ DRAW COPPER 450
- EZ FORM LIGHT
- EZ FORM HEAVY
- EZ FORM VANISHING OIL
- EZ FROM VO PLUS
- EZ COOL CUTTING FLUID
Emulsified Oil:
Emulsified oils are formulated by blending mineral or petroleum-based oil with water, creating a stable emulsion with the help of emulsifiers, surfactants, or other additives. This combination harnesses the lubricating properties of oil alongside the cooling and flushing benefits of water. Emulsified oils find utility in applications where efficient cooling is crucial, such as deep drawing or high-speed machining.
Synthetic Oil:
Synthetic oils are chemically engineered lubricants synthesized from various base stocks like polyalphaolefins (PAOs), esters, or polyglycols. These lubricants offer superior performance in terms of lubrication, thermal stability, and resistance to oxidation compared to mineral oils. Synthetic oils can be tailored to possess specific properties, such as high-temperature stability or low friction coefficients. They find common usage in high-speed machining, severe metal forming, or applications that demand extended tool life.
- EZ COOL SYNTHETIC
- IRMCO EXTREME 460-81A
- IRMCO FLUIDS 080-00B
- IRMCO FLUIDS 125-02M
- IRMCO FLUIDS 146-292
- IRMCO GEL 980-000
Semi-Synthetic Oil:
Semi-synthetic oils, also referred to as hybrid oils, combine mineral or petroleum-based oil with synthetic components. The proportion of synthetic additives can vary depending on the desired performance characteristics. Semi-synthetic oils aim to offer the advantages of both mineral oils (cost-effectiveness) and synthetic oils (enhanced performance). These lubricants deliver improved lubrication, cooling, and tool life compared to straight oils while providing a more budget-friendly solution compared to full synthetic oils. They are often employed in general metalworking applications and machining operations.
Choosing the Right Metal Forming Lubricant:
Selecting the appropriate metal forming lubricant or coolant for your specific application can be complex. Our team at Dimachem Inc. is dedicated to assisting you in making the optimal choice for your needs. Our experienced representatives possess the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the selection process, ensuring you find the most suitable products for your application.
Metal forming lubricants and coolants play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of metal forming operations. Understanding the characteristics and benefits of the four main types—straight oil, emulsified oil, synthetic oil, and semi-synthetic oil—enables you to make informed decisions when choosing the ideal lubricant for your specific metal forming application. Contact your Dimachem representative today to explore the range of options available and enhance the performance of your metal forming processes.
