The influence of the metal working fluids on machine tool failures

The coolant system for metal working is a typical example of a tribomechanical system, where several wear mechanisms are present simultaneously. The metal particles in the coolant system have the appearance of tiny chips, grains, coils of fine wire and so on. Particulate composition varies significantly depending on the cutting process and operating conditions, as well as coolant characteristics and coolant systems. During the cutting process, the metal working fluid is also exposed to changes due to: chemical reactions between its substances; tool surfaces and workpieces; the presence of particles and high temperatures on contact surfaces. The aim of the present work is to study the tribological processes, wear and failures on tribomechanical system elements of machine tools by exposing them to fluid for metal working with particles. The experimental investigations of effect of metal working fluids on tribological processes of tribomechanical system elements have been carried out at a metal working factory. The investigations were carried out on 30 lathes in four periods of time. The obtained results have proved that water based metal working fluids have quite a great influence on tribological processes, wear and failures of tribomechanical system elements of machine tools.