Short Intro
I believe that when you watch CNC processing, you have seen that while cutting, the nozzle next to it sprays out an oil-like liquid. In fact, this liquid is cutting fluid.
Cutting fluid is a lubricant used for CNC machine tools. It has the functions of . Therefore, cutting fluid plays a very important role in the automatic processing of CNC machine tools.
The role of cutting fluid
1, Lubrication
Cutting fluid forms an oil film on the surface of workpieces and tools, and can penetrate into the smallest metal gaps and irregularities, reducing friction between metals. This can bring the following effects:
โ Reduce tool wear and extend tool life.
โก Reduce cutting resistance and process with less power.
โข Prevent burrs on the edges and improve the accuracy of the processed surface.
2, Cooling
Cutting fluid can reduce the heat generated during the cutting operation, which can reach temperatures as high as 600-1000ยฐC. Especially for workpieces with low thermal conductivity such as stainless steel, it is difficult for the heat to dissipate and the workpiece will become hot.
Using cutting fluid to reduce temperature can bring the following effects:
โ Reduces thermal deformation of the tool and extends tool life.
โก The machining accuracy is stabilized by preventing thermal deformation of the workpiece and tool.
โข High-speed processing is achieved.

3, Cleaning
Jetting cutting fluid can flush away the chips generated during the cutting process and clean the workpiece, which can bring the following effects:
โ Prevent chips from sticking and causing scratches on the workpiece.
โก Prevent processing defects caused by chip blockage and accumulation.
โข Prevent tool damage due to chip entanglement.
Types of cutting fluids
Cutting fluids can be broadly divided into two types: insoluble and water-soluble . Insoluble cutting fluids can be used directly and focus on lubrication (a small number also focus on cooling). Water-soluble cutting fluids are usually diluted with water before use and focus on cooling.
1, Insoluble cutting fluid
Insoluble cutting fluid is a cutting oil with oil as its main component. It has a good “lubricating” effect and can effectively prevent CNC machine tools and workpieces from rusting. It is mainly used for cutting operations that require high precision.
Insoluble cutting fluids can be divided into inert and active types. Inert types are used for light cutting and machining of soft metals, effectively extending tool life. Active types are used for difficult-to-machine materials and low-speed machining, such as gear cutting, effectively improving machining accuracy.

2, Water-soluble cutting fluid
Water-soluble cutting fluid is a kind of cutting oil mixed with water and oil. It has a good cooling effect and is widely used in high-speed machining of machining centers.
There are three types of water-soluble cutting fluids commonly used: emulsions, soluble solutions, and solvents .
Emulsion, a water-soluble cutting fluid made of water, oil and surfactant, is a milky white liquid with large oily particles. It is highly versatile and widely used in machining centers.
Soluble cutting oil is a water-soluble cutting oil made of water, oil, surfactant and soluble substances. It is a translucent liquid with small oil particles. It has excellent cooling and penetrating properties.
Solvent, a water-soluble cutting oil made from water and soluble substances. The oil particles are very small, the liquid is usually green, and has excellent cooling and durability.
The above is an introduction to the functions and classification of cutting fluids. Do you have a deeper understanding of this fluid?