Subject: Production Process 2

Topic: Metal Cutting

Difficulty: Medium

What are cutting fluids?

• Cutting fluids are the fluids which are generally applied while the machining (or cutting) operation is taking place. The machining operation can be any i.e. milling, turning, drilling etc.

• Cutting fluid is the liquid used in the metalworking process like cutting, drilling, milling, turning to reduce the heat produced due to the deformation and machining process to lubricate for reducing friction and wear and tear on the workpiece.

• Sometimes a cutting fluid is also referred as coolant but it is wrong. A cutting fluid performs several functions and cooling the tool and workpiece is just one of them.

• Cutting fluid also name as Coolant or lubricant is used for improving the cutting condition and also the tool life. It can be in liquid as well as gaseous form.

Purpose Of Cutting Fluid

1. To Cool The Tool - During machining operations, a lot of heat is generated. Cutting fluid helps to reduce that heat and cools the tool: this increases tool life and smooth machining operations.

2. To Lubricate Moving Parts - Cutting fluid is also used as a lubricant so that tools can move easily. Frankly speaking, not only tools but cutting fluid can be used anywhere in the machine where there are moving parts.

3. To Lubricate Moving Parts - Cutting fluid is also used as a lubricant so that tools can move easily. Frankly speaking, not only tools but cutting fluid can be used anywhere in the machine where there are moving parts.

4. To Reduce Wear And Tear - Since cutting fluid helps is the smooth movement of parts in a machine, there will be less wear and tear. This increases machine life and tool life.

5. To Clean The Tool And Machine- Cutting fluid is also used for cleaning the tool and machine. Especially in areas where cleaning is tough, cutting fluid spray jets helps to clean those areas.

6. To Improve Surface Texture And Finished Part Quality - Since the cutting fluid is used as a lubricant, cleaner, and cooling medium, there are high chances that the surface texture of the finished part will have fewer foreign particles. This helps in gaining a smooth surface finish and improved parts quality.