Tribological aspects of the choice of metalworking fluid in cutting processes

The need for surface quality, shape and dimensional precision, or the use of materials that are difficult to cut, mean that in most cases metalworking fluids will continue to be important in the future. The recommendation of metalworking fluids depends on the special application. For applications where a metalworking fluid with better lubricating properties is needed, a non-water-miscible fluid is to be recommended (ISO-L-MHx). In other cases with high cutting velocities, a water-miscible fluid is often preferred due to its better cooling properties (ISO-L-MAx). The aim of this work is to explore the tribological aspects of the choice of metalworking fluid on cutting processes. Experimental investigations of the influence of the choice of metalworking fluid on cutting processes have been carried out at the metalworking factory. These investigations were carried out on 36 milling machines over four periods of time, each being 2000 working hours. The lifetime of milling machine elements up to failure due to the influence of metalworking fluids mostly shows large deviations. Using probability and statistical methods, it is possible to determine the influence of the choice of metalworking fluid on tribological processes in relation to the lifetime and reliability of the operation of the milling machines.