A report done in 2016 estimated that the metalworking fluids market could be worth close to $10 billion by the year 2020. Future Market Insights’ report found that in 2016 there were 2.5 million metric tonnes of such fluids sold all over the world, from Brayco Micronic 783 to Castrol Syntilo 9913, to stick wax lubricant and synthetic oils.
What is Metalworking Fluid?
All metalworking fluids, whether Brayco Micronic 783 or Brayco Micronic 882, have four important functions they bring to the table. They cool, remove chips, control corrosion, and lubricate whatever they are applied to. They play an important and irreplaceable role in machining applications. In fact, a recent study found that manufacturing companies have estimated that 70% of their unplanned shutdowns of vital equipment in the last three years were caused by choosing the wrong lubricant or managing the application of the lubricant incorrectly.
How to Get it Right
Not only does getting types and flow levels right keep equipment from going offlin, but doing fluids right saves money in the long run, especially when the fluid is recycled. Metalworking fluid recycling systems can save as much as 8% of volume compared to non-recycled systems. Using the right fluid is key, so you know whether you need Brayco Micronic 783, Castrol Syntilo 9913, or some other type of corrosion preventative. Close to 90% of lubrication professionals say they consider the viscosity index of an oil before selecting the lubricant they need. Yet an international study done recently showed that only 42% of all the companies surveyed are using correct and effective lubricant management procedures. Even more, 63%, know that they are not properly training their staff on how to use that Brayco Micronic 783. This not only presents a danger to machinery and company operations in general, but also to the safety of individuals in the workplace.
How to Stay Safe
Metalworking fluids can present a hazard to human health if they are inhaled through mist or aerosol or contact the skin. Everyone working around metalworking fluids should be aware of OSHA’s safety and health best practices manual. In addition, the OSHA Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards is a resource all workers who labor around metalworking fluids should be familiar with.
How to Choose the Right Fluid
It is important to know your machines and operations, as different machines will stress in different ways. Extruding, for example, is very hard on machines, while turning is much easier. These will require, then, different types of fluid. There are semi-synthetic lubricants, which have less than a 30% oil content, and fully pure synthetics that have no oil at all. There are also straight oils, and most are mixed with some amount of water, which provide the cooling capacity. It’s important to know the viscosity you need to protect the machine operation in question. That’s not enough to run out and grab Brayco Micronic 783, however. It’s also crucial to be aware of surface interactions with the lubricant and the material being machined, which can sometimes be unpredictable. Some materials will be stained or even ruined by the wrong additives. Additionally, if a mixture has too much water, this can promote the growth of bacteria in some situations and preservatives are required.
There are a lot of issues to consider when choosing Brayco Micronic 783, Castrol Syntilo 9918, or any other kind of metalworking fluid. Getting it right and then using the fluids safely is key to getting the most out of machines while protecting everyone involved.