This post is also available in:
Metalworking Fluids FAQ
Please review the questions below. If you do not find the answer you are looking for, please submit your question and we will respond as soon as possible.
“Industrial water-miscible metalworking fluids are formulated to provide lubrication, cooling, and protection for both workpieces and tooling during machining operations such as turning, milling, drilling, grinding, and various metal forming processes.”
"To select the most appropriate product, the following factors must be evaluated:
- Type of operation (Machining or Forming)
- Workpiece and tooling material
- Operation intensity, load, and speed
- Machine type and fluid circulation system architecture
- Water hardness and quality
- Required balance between Lubricity and Cooling performance
- Previous operational challenges (e.g., foaming, corrosion, odor, or emulsion instability)
Selecting a product solely based on price or appearance is not a reliable approach. For optimal performance, we recommend a thorough evaluation of your production line’s actual conditions before purchasing."
These products all belong to the family of emulsifiable metalworking fluids, but each one has a different application position:
SVL FLUID CL050: A classic product for general-purpose applications
SVL FLUID E100: A general and cost-effective grade in the emulsifiable fluid range
SVL FLUID E200 HW: Designed for applications where stability in hard water is more important
SVL FLUID E300 HL: Intended for operations requiring enhanced lubricity
A higher number does not necessarily mean the product is better for every application. The final selection should be based on the process, workpiece material, water quality, and machine conditions.
Metalworking fluids are classified into different groups based on their formulation structure and operating behavior:
- Emulsifiable fluids: typically provide a balanced combination of lubricity and cooling.
- Semi-synthetic fluids: combine characteristics of emulsifiable and synthetic fluids and can offer good cleanliness and stability.
- Fully synthetic fluids: generally focus on cooling performance, cleanliness, and better visibility of the working area.
Being fully synthetic does not mean being universally superior. For some heavy-duty operations, an emulsifiable fluid with the right lubricity may be the better choice.
The mixing ratio depends on the product type, operation, machine, workpiece material, and water quality, so no single fixed value can be recommended for all applications.
In many cases, the working solution is prepared within the range specified in the product’s technical data sheet. A concentration below the recommended level may reduce lubricity and corrosion protection. Excessive concentration may increase product consumption, foaming, tackiness, or residue on the workpiece.
The exact percentage for each product should be stated in that product’s technical data sheet (TDS).
First, add the required amount of water to a clean tank. Then, slowly add the concentrate to the water while maintaining adequate circulation or agitation.
The general rule is:
Add the concentrate to the water—not the water to the concentrate.
Adding water to a large volume of concentrate may result in an unstable emulsion or uneven mixing. Water temperature, agitation intensity, and addition rate can also affect emulsion quality.
In general, it is not recommended unless compatibility has been confirmed.
Before adding a new product to the existing sump, the remaining fluid condition, contamination level, and compatibility between the two products should be evaluated. Incompatible mixing may lead to instability, foaming, poor emulsion performance, or reduced fluid life.
For best results, consult the technical team before changing or topping up the system.
The minerals dissolved in water can affect emulsion stability, foam level, residue formation, corrosion, and product consumption.
Very hard water may cause precipitation or reduce the stability of some formulations, while very soft water may increase foaming in certain systems. For this reason, product selection should be based on the hardness and quality of the water at the point of use.
Where water hardness is a major challenge, a product such as SVL FLUID E200 HW may be considered after evaluating the operating conditions.
Excessive foaming can have several causes, including:
- improper solution concentration
- very soft water
- air entering through the pump or return line
- high fluid circulation pressure or velocity
- contamination of the tank with detergents
- mixing with an incompatible product
- unsuitable fluid selection for the system
Using an antifoam additive without identifying the root cause is not always the right solution, as it may provide only a temporary effect or negatively affect fluid performance.
Unpleasant odor is commonly associated with microbial contamination, tramp oil ingress, buildup of chips and sludge, poor circulation, long machine downtime, or improper concentration.
To control the problem, the sump condition, concentration, contamination level, and maintenance practice should all be evaluated. Adding a preservative or fresh product without identifying the root cause may only mask the issue temporarily.
Claims such as “odor-free,” “antibacterial,” or “antifungal” should not be used for a product unless they are supported by valid testing.
One of the common methods is to use a handheld refractometer. The refractometer reading should then be calculated using the specific factor of the product:
C=R×F C = R \times F
Where:
C: approximate solution concentrationR: refractometer readingF: product refractometer factor
The factor is not the same for all products and should be specified in the product’s technical data sheet. Contamination of the solution with tramp oils and particles may also reduce measurement accuracy.
Replacement should not be decided only based on the number of days in service. Signs such as the following may indicate the need for serious review or replacement:
- unusual and persistent odor
- noticeable loss of performance
- corrosion of the workpiece or machine
- severe separation and instability
- sludge formation and heavy contamination
- inability to maintain concentration
- heavy contamination with tramp oils
- abnormal change in the appearance of the fluid
Before a full replacement, it is better to identify the root cause of bath failure so that the same problem does not recur in the next cycle.
No. In general, mixing different metalworking fluids is not recommended unless it has been specifically approved by the supplier or verified by compatibility testing.
Different products may use different emulsifiers, additives, biocides, and base oils. Mixing them can lead to:
- instability or phase separation
- foaming
- reduced corrosion protection
- loss of performance
- shortened bath life
If a change of product is necessary, the system should preferably be cleaned and the new fluid charged according to the technical procedure.
No. Different metals do not react to metalworking fluids in the same way. Steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, and their alloys may require different additive systems.
Before use, the product’s compatibility with the workpiece material should be checked, especially for aluminum, copper, and other non-ferrous metals, where the risk of staining or discoloration is more significant.
FAQs on Greases & Industrial Lubricants
Grease selection cannot be made based solely on color or appearance. The key factors include:
- Type of equipment and lubrication point
- Operating speed (RPM)
- Mechanical load (including shock loads)
- Operating temperature range
- Presence of water, steam, dust, or chemicals
- Application or lubrication method (manual vs. centralized system)
- Re-lubrication intervals
- Previously used grease type (compatibility check)
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications
Using an incorrect grease can lead to temperature spikes, leakage, loss of lubrication, or premature component failure.
The NLGI grade indicates the relative consistency or firmness of a grease; on its own, it does not indicate grease quality or load-carrying capacity.
For example, NLGI 2 is a common grade for general-purpose applications. However, selecting the appropriate grade depends on the equipment type, operating speed, temperature, and lubrication method. Two greases with the same NLGI grade may differ significantly in base oil, thickener type, and overall performance.
In general, mixing unknown greases or those with different thickener types is not recommended. Incompatibility can lead to excessive softening or hardening, oil separation, and a loss of lubricating properties.
When changing the grease type, it is best practice to remove as much of the old grease as possible from the equipment and carry out the replacement process according to technical procedures.
No. The color of a grease may result from the base oil, additives, or added dye, and it is not a reliable indicator of quality, temperature resistance, or load-carrying performance.
Selection should be based on technical specifications and operating conditions, not on the product’s appearance.
No. Excess grease injection can increase operating resistance, raise temperature, damage seals, and force grease out of the housing.
The amount of grease and the relubrication interval should be determined based on the equipment design, operating conditions, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Sales Orders and Technical Support
The packaging type depends on the product and the order volume. The available packaging options are:
- 10-liter canister
- 20-liter canister
- 208-liter drum
- 1000-liter IBC tank
- Bulk supply for industrial orders
Only list packaging options on the website that you can actually supply at present.
The availability of a sample depends on the product type, consumption volume, application, and the result of the initial review. To request a sample, information such as the machine type, operation, workpiece material, current product, existing issues, and approximate consumption should be provided.
Sample testing is best performed under controlled conditions with results properly recorded, because testing without clear criteria does not produce a reliable basis for product comparison.
The availability of a sample depends on the product type, consumption volume, application, and the outcome of the initial evaluation. To request a sample, information such as the machine type, operation, workpiece material, current product, existing issues, and approximate consumption should be provided.
Sample testing is best carried out under controlled conditions with proper result recording, since testing without defined criteria does not provide a reliable basis for product comparison.
For a more detailed evaluation, please provide the following information:
- Machine Type
- Type of Operation
- Workpiece and Tool Material
- Name or Specifications of the Current Product
- Current Concentration/Dilution Ratio
- Water Quality or Hardness
- Primary Issue/Challenge
- Monthly Consumption
- Photos of the sump, solution, or workpiece (if possible)
- Location and Company Name
The more complete the information, the higher the likelihood of providing a more accurate and effective recommendation.
Sales terms, minimum order quantity (MOQ), packaging, and shipping methods are evaluated based on the product type and destination. To receive up-to-date information, please provide the product code and the required quantity through our contact form or other communication channels.
The product should have a clear label, brand name, official product code, production batch number, and a legible production date. To verify authenticity, you can cross-check the information printed on the packaging with the company’s sales department.
Official product code examples:
SVL-CL050SVL-E100SVL-E200-HWSVL-E300-HLSVL-SS400SVL-FS500
