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Cutting fluid plays a very important role in the metal processing industry, because it can reduce the friction caused by metal cutting and improve the machining accuracy and surface finish. In the machining process, oil-based and water-based cutting fluid are two commonly used types.
Oil-based cutting fluid is a liquid composition containing petroleum-distillate hydrocarbons and emulsifiers. It is a liquid having a pale-yellow color and characteristic oil odor. It has certain lubricating properties and is used in heavy-duty machining because of its anti-weld and long-term anti-corrosive properties. The working temperature range of oil-based cutting fluid ranges from 120°F to 190°F.
Water-based cutting fluid primarily consists of water in which additives are used. The main advantages of water-based cutting fluid are its low cost and that it does not require long-term anti-corrosive protection. However, it is generally used for lighter duty machining, because it has a limited working temperature range (75°F to 125°F.), is not effective in prevention of welding, and does not have the same lubricity as oil-based cutting fluids.
The difference between oil-based and water based cutting fluids is primarily in their lubrication and cooling properties. Water-based cutting fluids tend to cool more effectively, while oil-based cutting fluids are more efficient at lubrication. In some machining operations, a combination of both oil-based and water-based fluids may be used, to get the best of both lubrication and cooling properties.
Another difference between oil-based and water-based cutting fluids is in their environmental impact. Oil-based cutting fluids are considered to be more harmful because they contain a higher percentage of oil, which can be a source of air pollution and can pollute surface water and groundwater. On the other hand, water-based cutting fluids are considered to be less harmful since their components are mostly water, which is not hazardous to the environment.
In conclusion, oil-based and water-based cutting fluids have their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of the cutting fluid depends on the machining operation, the material to be machined, and the environmental impacts of the fluid. Oil-based fluids are more suitable for heavy-duty machining and better lubrication, while water-based fluids are cheaper, more suitable for light-duty machining, and can be less hazardous to the environment.
