Metal manufacturing is an enormous and varied industry - requiring specialty lubricants to maximize production and protect workpieces, machine tools and optimize safety in the shop itself. Henkel strives to provide best-in-class performance for all of these factors in the Bonderite® Metalworking Lubricant portfolio. Dive deeper into the pros and cons of metalworking coolant types and feel more confident in selecting the ideal solution for your operation.
What are Machining Coolants?
Machining coolants are specially engineered lubricants that provide protection for workpieces and machine tools by controlling friction, reducing extreme temperatures, protecting from corrosion & rust, and physically removing metal chips & flakes.
Control Friction
Reduce Temperature
Remove Metal Chips
Prevent Corrosion
Types of Machining Coolants
There are four main types of metalworking fluids – Straight Oil, Soluble Oil, Semi-Synthetic and Synthetic Fluids. Each of the metalworking coolant types provide their own specific benefits and disadvantages for use and it’s important to understand which type of fluid is right for your machining operation.
Pros & Cons of Machining Coolant Types
Coolant Type
Advantages
Disadvantages
Straight Oil
Excellent Lubrication
Good Rust Prevention & Control
Longer Fluid Life
No Microbial or Biological Growth
High Temperature Buildup
Smoking or Misting Problems
Dirty Shop Conditions
Flammability Concerns
Disposal Problems
Soluble Oil
Good Lubrication
Good Thermal Control & Reduction
Can Become Rancid
Smoking or Misting Problems
Poor Mix Stability or Foaming
Dirty/Oily Shop Conditions
Poor Rust Prevention
Disposal Concerns
Semi-Synthetic
Good Lubrication
Good Thermal Transfer & Control
Good Rust Control
Longer Fluid Life
Cleaner Shop Conditions
Potential for Foaming
Hard Water Stability Concerns
Compatibility Concerns with Other Lubricants
Synthetic
Excellent Heat Transfer
Cleaner Shop Conditions
Poor Physical Lubrication
Can Form Hard Residues
Metalworking Operations & Fluid Performance
Not all metalworking fluids are created equal - in fact if you choose the wrong lubricant for your operation, you could be wasting money on scrap, replenishment and disposal costs. The pros and cons of the each fluid type may lend themselves to improved performance depending on the machining operation being performed. For a starter recommendation, the table below gives a high level comparison from Ok to Best by machining operation.
Machining Operation
Straight Oil
Soluble Oil
Semi-Synthetic
Synthetic
Grinding
Ok
Good
Better
Best
Sawing
Good
Better
Better
Ok
Turning
Ok
Better
Best
Better
Screw Cutting
Ok
Better
Best
Better
Boring
Ok
Best
Best
Better
Milling
Ok
Best
Best
Better
Drilling
Good
Better
Best
Better
Deep Hole Drilling
Good
Good
Best
Good
Honing
Better
Ok
Good
Good
Tapping or Threading
Better
Best
Best
Good
Shaving
Best
Good
Good
Ok
Gear Shaping, Hobbing or Broaching
Best
Good
Ok
Ok
BONDERITE® Metalworking Solutions
BONDERITE® L-MR B Series
This portfolio of performance metal removal fluids are formulated with bio resistance in mind. Microbial growth can become a real problem in water-based systems leading to obnoxious odors, residues and pumping issues. the L-MR B series provides excellent extreme pressure performance and lubricity for a range of light to heavy duty applications. Learn More Here ►
BONDERITE® L-MR CR Series
The L-MR CR Series of the BONDERITE® metal working fluids delivers premium performance for a wide range of machining operatioins for ferous and non-ferrous alloys. These lubricants exhibit durable performance for light to heavy duty applications. Learn More Here ►
BONDERITE® L-MR Synthetic Series
The BONDERITE® L-MR Series of synthetic lubricants provide a full portfolio of coolant types for machining, grinding, roll forming and more for ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. Learn More Here ►
