Metalworking fluids—Mechanisms and performance

TLDR

Metalworking fluids are applied in manufacturing to improve workpiece quality, reduce tool wear, and boost productivity, but their performance is highly sensitive to chemical composition and changes that occur during service life. This paper reviews the current state of the art on the working mechanisms of MWFs and the effects of desired and undesired changes in their properties.

Abstract

In various manufacturing processes, metalworking fluids (MWFs) are applied to ensure workpiece quality, to reduce tool wear, and to improve process productivity. The specific chemical composition of an applied MWF should be strongly dependent on the scope of application. Even small changes of the MWF-composition can influence the performance of MWFs in manufacturing processes considerably. Besides defined variations of the composition, the MWF-chemistry furthermore changes over the service life of the fluid. This paper presents the current state of the art regarding the assumed working mechanisms of MWFs including the effects of desired and undesired changes of the MWF properties.