Proper Maintenance of Emulsified Cutting Fluid
Cutting fluid is a necessary tool for the machining process in a machine shop. It provides lubrication to keep the cutting surface from heating up, reduces tool wear and helps to improve machining performance. Emulsified cutting fluid is typically used for high-speed machining due to its good lubricity, high cooling capacity and low residue. Proper maintenance of emulsified cutting fluid is essential for keeping machines running efficiently and properly, and avoiding costly repairs and downtime.
The first step in emulsified cutting fluid maintenance is to determine the proper concentration rate. This will depend on the type of machine being used and the type of operation being performed. It is important that the concentration rate of the emulsified cutting fluid is not too low or too high, as either can lead to inefficient cooling and excessive tool wear. To determine the proper concentration rate, the manufacturer’s cutting fluid concentration chart should be consulted.
The second step in emulsified cutting fluid maintenance is to ensure the cutting fluid is kept clean. This is important to eliminate any contamination from the work piece or machine. Some common contaminants include: dirt, chips, oil, grease and metal dust. Contamination can cause the cutting fluid to lose its lubricity, reduce cooling capacity and damage tools and surfaces. The cutting fluid should be filtered regularly and kept clean by changing the filter. If more rigorous cleaning is needed, a centrifugal filter can be used to separate the contaminants.
The third step in proper emulsified cutting fluid maintenance is to maintain a constant temperature. The proper cutting fluid temperature will depend on the type of operation and the type of material being cut. The manufacturer will typically recommend the optimal temperature range, which should be strictly adhered to. The cutting fluid temperature should be monitored with a temperature control system.
The fourth step in emulsified cutting fluid maintenance is to ensure that the proper lubricity is maintained. This will depend on the type of machine, the type of operation and the type of material being cut. Lubricants may need to be changed or added based on the particular application, and this should be done according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The fifth step in emulsified cutting fluid maintenance is to ensure that the pH is maintained at the proper level. The pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the fluid, and it should be checked on a regular basis. If the pH is outside of the manufacturer’s recommended range, it should be adjusted accordingly.
Finally, the sixth step in emulsified cutting fluid maintenance is to monitor the fluid’s life expectancy. This will help to estimate when the fluid should be changed. The life expectancy of the fluid can be decreased by contamination and overuse, so regular testing and monitoring are important to ensure maximum efficiency.
In conclusion, proper maintenance of emulsified cutting fluid is essential for proper and efficient operation of machinery. The first step is to determine the proper concentration rate and to ensure the cutting fluid is kept clean. Next, it is important to maintain a constant temperature and to ensure that the proper lubricity is maintained. Additionally, it is important to check and adjust the pH as necessary and to monitor the life expectancy of the fluid. By following these maintenance steps, costly repairs and downtime can be avoided, while ensuring that the machines are running at maximum efficiency.
