What is CNC coolant?
CNC coolant (cutting oil, lubricant) is a metalworking fluid used to cool, lubricate, and remove chips and contaminants from cutting tools and workpieces during metal cutting operations. Cutting fluids consist of various functional additives formulated into well-balanced blends and are commonly made from petroleum distillates, animal fats, vegetable oils, water, or other base materials.
What is the role of CNC coolant?
Although often inconspicuous, coolant directly affects machining quality, tool life, and equipment maintenance costs.
- Cooling
CNC machining produces substantial heat because the tool and/or workpiece rotate at high speed. Coolant lowers the temperature in the cutting zone, preventing thermal deformation of the workpiece and reducing heat-related tool wear.
2. Lubrication
High-speed relative motion between tool and workpiece generates friction. The lubricant component of the coolant forms a thin film at the contact area, reducing friction, improving surface finish, and extending tool life.
3. Cleaning
CNC milling generates chips, swarf, and residues that can degrade accuracy and damage parts if not removed. Coolant flushes away these contaminants and prevents blockage of tool holders and coolant passages.
4. Rust prevention
Many coolants contain corrosion inhibitors to protect workpieces and machine components from rust and oxidation.
