The difference between Water soluble cutting fluids and neat cutting oils

Water soluble cutting fluids and neat cutting oils are both essential in metalworking, yet they vary significantly in their composition, application, and cost-effectiveness.

Water soluble cutting fluids require mixing with water to form a milky emulsion for processing. They are preferred for their ability to reduce tool wear, achieve a high-quality surface finish, and offer economical use.

On the other hand, neat cutting oils consist of mineral oils and additional additives. Unlike water soluble fluids, they are used for cutting without dilution. While they also contribute to reducing tool wear and enhancing surface finish, neat oils may be preferred for specific applications where water-based fluids are not suitable.

Features of Water soluble cutting fluids and neat cutting oils

Water soluble cutting fluids and neat cutting oils each have distinct product characteristics. For instance, water-based cutting fluids offer superior cleanliness due to dilution with water, a feature that surpasses neat cutting oils in this aspect.

The MORESCO series of cutting oils from Japan are formulated without chlorine or other chemical solvents, resulting in a milder odor during use and reduced potential harm to human health. Consequently, there are fewer reported cases of sensitivity or allergic reactions when these oils come into direct contact with the skin, except for individuals with specific sensitivities.

On the other hand, the primary advantage of selecting neat cutting oils lies in their excellent lubricating properties. With an oil content of 100%, they provide outstanding lubrication for workpieces during machining processes.

However, the generation of oil mist during machining may pose challenges in maintaining environmental cleanliness and air quality. Prolonged exposure to oil mist in the air may also lead to health concerns for individuals working in such environments.

Therefore, while neat cutting oils offer exceptional lubrication performance, considerations must be made regarding environmental impact and potential health risks associated with their use.

Choosing Cutting fluids Based on Material and Machining

When selecting cutting oils for machining, both water soluble cutting oils and neat cutting oils offer distinct functionalities that can be leveraged based on the material and machining process.

For common machining materials such as Aluminum, Cast Iron, Stainless Steel, Brass & Copper, and Glass/Ceramics, water-soluble cutting oils are often preferred due to their versatility and cooling performance. These oils are particularly effective for high-speed machining operations, providing excellent heat dissipation and easy cleanup.

However, for heavy-duty machining of ferrous metals, neat cutting oils are the optimal choice. Their superior lubricating properties and anti-rust capabilities make them ideal for precision machining tasks. Japanese Moresco NN series oils, containing non-active sulfur, are suitable for cutting non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, brass, and copper. Conversely, the NA series, with active sulfur additives, is suitable for cutting ferrous metals.

By carefully considering the material and machining requirements, operators can select the appropriate cutting oil to maximize efficiency, tool life, and product quality. Whether working with light metals, ceramics, or heavy-duty ferrous metals, choosing the right cutting oil is crucial for optimal machining outcomes.

Types of Water Soluble Cutting Oils

Water soluble cutting oils, including water-dilutable fluids, are crucial for machining operations due to their cooling and cleaning properties. These fluids require meticulous maintenance due to pH and concentration fluctuations. They are classified into three types:

■ Soluble Cutting Fluid

These fluids create oil-in-water emulsions using base oil, emulsifiers, anti-wear additives, and corrosion inhibitors. They typically use medium viscosity petroleum-based or mixed-type mineral oils as the base.

■ Semi-synthetic Cutting Fluid

These concentrates blend oil, synthetic lubricants, and additives, resulting in translucent fluids when mixed with water. They combine the lubricating qualities of soluble oils with the cleanliness of synthetic coolants.

■ Synthetic Cutting Fluid

These fluids consist of water soluble organic compounds devoid of mineral oil or petroleum. They yield clear fluids when mixed with water and are renowned for their exceptional cooling performance.

Types of Neat Cutting Oils

Neat cutting oils, also known as straight oils, are mineral-based lubricants utilized in metal machining. They offer excellent lubrication for light to heavy machining operations such as broaching, CNC lathe turning, honing, and drilling, without requiring further dilution.

Hai Lu Jya He offers MORESCO oil-based cutting oils, which are categorized into non-sulfurized (NN series) and sulfurized (NA series).

■ Neat Cutting oil

The Japanese Moresco NN series contains inactive sulfur, suitable for cutting non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, brass, and copper. On the other hand, the NA series includes active sulfur additives, ideal for cutting ferrous metals. MORESCO NA-308T oil-based cutting oil, for instance, provides excellent machining capabilities for carbon steel and stainless steel and is suitable for both high and low-speed machining operations.

Consult Experts to Choose the Right Water Soluble Cutting Fluid or Neat Cutting Oil

The choice between water soluble and neat cutting oils depends on various factors, including the specific metalworking operation, the materials being processed, and environmental considerations. Ultimately, selecting the right cutting fluid is crucial to achieving optimal performance and efficiency in metal cutting processes.

At Hai Lu Jya He, we offer a wide range of cutting oils, including neat cutting oils, soluble cutting fluids, semi-synthetic fluids, and synthetic fluids. Our offerings also include tailor-made products through OEM/ODM services. These custom-engineered lubricants are designed to perfectly align with machine specifications, enhancing precision, accuracy, and surface finish.

Contact us today at (+886-4-25332210) to discover how our metalworking oils can enhance your machinery's efficiency, durability, and overall performance.

---