Tips on Machining Vol.26
How to make good use of water-miscible coolant Part 2
- Tips on effective use of coolant in automated line -

Today, more and more shop owners are shifting to 24-hour operation by automating their production processes with an automatic workpiece changer or transfer unit for higher production efficiency, lower labor costs and constant quality.
But there is one thing they should pay attention to during unmanned operation at night: a fire caused by chips.
To avoid such a risk, it is recommended to use water-miscible coolant, rather than oil-based coolant, in an automated line.
However, water-miscible coolant contains a surfactant to synthesize oil and water, as well as many additives to obtain permeability, lubricity, anticorrosive properties and protective coating for tool tips. Unbalanced additive proportions can decrease coolant performance, which leads to degradation of cutting performance and decomposition of coolant, and consequently has a negative impact on machining quality.

Coolant has also a significant impact on machining quality, as with the performance of a machine tool, cutting tool and tooling. Therefore, when coolant is used in an automated line, it is important to keep its performance constant, that is, not to create a “change point.”
In this issue, we will discuss four key points to use water-miscible coolant in automated lines.