FAQ: Soluble Oils & Metalworking Fluids
Please read the questions below. If you cannot find the answer to your question, feel free to contact us — we will respond as soon as possible.
Water-miscible metalworking fluids cool, lubricate and help protect workpieces and tools during turning, milling, drilling, grinding and selected forming operations. Choose a fluid to suit the operation, workpiece material, tooling and water quality.
Consider the operation, workpiece and tool materials, cutting load and speed, coolant circulation system and water quality. Also review cooling and lubrication needs and any history of foaming, corrosion, odour or instability. Price or colour alone is not a reliable basis for selection.
CL050 is the conventional general-purpose grade; E100 is the economical general-purpose option in the emulsion range. E200 HW targets hard-water stability, while E300 HL provides enhanced lubricity. A higher product number does not mean a better choice for every application.
Emulsifiable fluids generally balance lubrication and cooling. Semi-synthetics combine characteristics of emulsion and synthetic fluids. Fully synthetic fluids typically emphasise cooling, cleanliness and visibility of the cutting zone. The best choice depends on the application; fully synthetic does not automatically mean superior.
Working concentration depends on the product, operation, machine, workpiece material and water quality. Follow the range in that product's technical data sheet. Too little concentrate can weaken lubrication and corrosion protection; too much can increase consumption, foaming and residue.
Start with the required water in a clean sump, then add concentrate slowly while mixing or circulating adequately. Adding water to a large volume of concentrate can produce a poor mix. Follow the product instructions for water temperature, addition rate and agitation.
Top up only when the product identity, compatibility and fluid condition are known and acceptable. Base the make-up mixture on measured concentration and the manufacturer's instructions. When changing products, drain and clean the system; if complete draining is impractical, check compatibility on a small scale before mixing.
Dissolved minerals affect emulsion stability, foam, deposits, corrosion and fluid consumption. Very hard water can destabilise some formulations; very soft water may increase foaming. Match the fluid to local water quality. E200 HW can be evaluated for hard-water conditions following a technical assessment.
Check concentration, very soft water, air entering through the pump or return line, high pressure or flow, detergent contamination and incompatible products. Identify the cause before adding a defoamer: it may offer only temporary relief or be incompatible with the fluid.
Possible causes include microbial contamination, tramp oil, accumulated swarf and sludge, inadequate circulation, extended shutdowns or unsuitable concentration. Check the sump and maintenance routine. Adding preservative or fresh fluid without identifying the cause may only mask the problem temporarily.
Check for low concentration, falling pH, contamination, poor water quality, incompatible materials or an unsuitable fluid. Sump cleanliness, workpiece material and washing, drying and storage conditions also matter. Do not assume machining coolant provides long-term storage protection without appropriate testing.
A refractometer is commonly used. Multiply its reading by the factor specified for that product in its technical data sheet: C = R × F. Here C is approximate working concentration, R is the refractometer reading and F is the product factor. Tramp oil and particles can reduce accuracy.
Do not base replacement solely on days in service. Persistent odour, reduced performance, corrosion, severe separation, sludge, heavy contamination or an unusual change in appearance require investigation. Identify the cause before refilling so the problem does not recur.
Do not mix different fluids without checking compatibility. Differences in emulsifiers, preservatives and additives can cause foaming, separation or performance loss. When changing products, clean the sump and circulation lines; if full draining is impractical, carry out a compatibility test first.
No. Steel, cast iron, aluminium, copper and their alloys may require different additive systems. Check compatibility with the metal before use, especially for non-ferrous metals where staining or discolouration may be a concern.
FAQ: Greases & Industrial Lubricants
Provide the equipment type and lubrication point, speed, load, temperature, exposure to water or chemicals, lubrication method and interval, and the grease currently used. Follow the equipment manufacturer's guidance. An unsuitable grease can cause overheating, leakage or premature failure.
The NLGI grade describes grease consistency, not overall quality, load capacity or temperature capability. NLGI 2 is common in general applications, but selection must suit the equipment. Greases with the same grade can differ in base oil, thickener and performance.
Do not mix greases of unknown compatibility or with different thickeners without assessment. Incompatibility can cause excessive softening or hardening, oil separation and reduced lubrication. When changing grease, follow the recommended cleaning and replacement procedure for the equipment.
No. Colour may come from the base oil, additives or dye and is not a reliable measure of quality, heat resistance or load capability. Select grease by its technical properties and the equipment's operating conditions.
No. Overgreasing can increase drag and temperature, damage seals and force grease out of the housing. Set the quantity and relubrication interval according to equipment design, operating conditions and the manufacturer's recommendations.
Ordering & Technical Support
Depending on the product and order quantity, options may include 10 L and 20 L containers, 208 L drums, 1,000 L IBCs or bulk supply. Contact sales to confirm the packaging currently available for your chosen product.
Sample availability depends on the product, application, consumption and initial assessment. Provide the machine and operation, workpiece material, current fluid, existing issues and approximate usage. Test samples under defined conditions and record the results for a meaningful comparison.
Yes. After reviewing the technical requirements and operating conditions, we can assess formulation development or optimisation. Areas may include lubricity, stability, foam control, corrosion protection and water compatibility. The process can involve sample testing, laboratory evaluation and feedback from the production line.
Provide the machine and operation, workpiece and tool materials, water quality or hardness, current product, working concentration, main problem and approximate consumption. Photos of the sump, fluid or workpiece, together with your company name and location, help our assessment.
Contact sales with the product code, required quantity and delivery destination to discuss direct supply. Sales terms, minimum order, packaging and shipping depend on the product and destination. Ask our team for current details.
Check for a clear brand name, official product code, batch number and production date on the packaging. Confirm authenticity with our sales team using the printed details. SVL product codes include CL050, E100, E200 HW, E300 HL, SS400 and FS500.