1070 – 08 – Water Based Cutting Fluids Part 1

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Water-based fluids are usually ninety to ninety-five percent water; the remaining concentration can be water-soluble oil, chemical-fluids, and semi-chemical fluids.

Soluble oil cutting fluids are called “miscible fluids,” because they can be mixed with water. These types of cutting fluids contain emulsifiers, which are soap-like substances that enable the oil to mix appropriately with the water. Composed of 60-90% oil, the remaining water content means that these fluids cool better than straight oils.

It’s key to point out that super-fatty soluble oils have animal or mineral oil in their chemical make up. It makes them ideal for use when cutting non-ferrous alloys like aluminum. Extreme pressure soluble oils have sulfur and chlorine added to them to improve their lubrication qualities, making them ideal for cutting operations such as broaching.