Mumbai University > Mechanical Engineering > Sem 4 > Production Process II

Marks: 5M

Year: Dec 2014

Cutting fluids are sometimes referred to as lubricants or coolants. Which are applied to the tool and work piece to assist in the cutting operation.

Purpose of cutting fluids:

1) To cool the tool: Cooling the tool is necessary to prevent metallurgical damage and to assist in the decreasing friction in the tool chip interface. Decreasing friction means less power is required to machine.

2) To cool the work piece: It also cools the work price and protects it from excessive thermal distortion.

3) To improve surface finish

4) To protect the finished surface from corrosion: Corrosion inhibitors in the form of sodium nitrate or triethanolamine are used in cutting fluids.

5) To cause chips break into small parts.

6) To wash the chips away from the tool.

Properties of Cutting fluids:

1) High heat absorption.

2) Good lubricating qualities.

3) High flash point

4) Should not reach chemically.

5) Odourless

6) Harmless to the skin of operator.

7) Non-corrosive

8) Low viscosity to permit free flow of the liquid.

9) Low priced to minimise production cost.