Month: January 2014

Dry and clean drilling. Oil consumption 10ml/hour using Unist Coolube 2210EP

In short, the benefits of Unist Coolube® with MQL are:

  1. Significantly increases blade and tool life.
  2. A cost effective conversion for all machine types.
  3. No waste – kind to the environment and no wasting money either
  4. More economical in the long run – using Coolube® preserves machine parts for longer and prevents rusting
  5. Clean – no more messy slip hazards from excess coolant oozing down machines and walk ways
  6. The MQL system dispenses precisely the amount of Coolube® needed. No more, and no less.
  7. Better for machine operators – no more dermatitis caused by skin contact with coolants.
  8. Coolube does not oxidise or go sticky.

Nowadays, many manufacturers are under pressure to “go green”. Unist Coolube® is one of the most advanced metalworking fluids available today. Implementing Minimum Quantity Lubrication (M.Q.L.), a no-waste dispensing system, with Unist Coolube® is an easy step to limit the environmental footprint of your manufacturing operation.

MQL is the process of applying minute amounts of high-quality metalworking fluid lubricant directly to the cutting tool or work piece interface instead of using traditional flood coolants. It minimises your environmental impact by significantly reducing fluid usage and eliminating the need for coolant treatment and disposal.

These benefits are multiplied further when using 100% biodegradable Coolube® lubricants, *that is*, metalworking fluids which are formulated from renewable plant-based oils. When considering these facts, along with the performance benefits of Coolube® and MQL, it becomes obvious that this is the most advanced and responsible answer to running metal cutting and metal forming equipment.

Using the right lubricant is very important in MQL applications. The perfect lubricant will adhere to the surface of the tool and provide a thin, low friction barrier between the cutting tool and work piece. Studies have shown that Coolube® has superior properties, which make it an ideal lubricant.

Coolube’s® polar properties create a strong consistent bond between Coolube® and metallic surfaces. This creates an even, strong, and durable layer of lubrication. Coolube® reduces friction 50% better than typical mineral oils preventing heat build-up and resulting in longer tool life and a superior cut finish.

At Unist, we’ve been manufacturing green products long before the hype. Since 1957 to be exact.

With our recent USDA BioPreferred Program certification, everyone can see just how green our lubricant products are. These are the same non-toxic, environmentally friendly, green products we’ve been touting for years.

Nothing has changed but the USDA’s certification of our bio-based content through independent laboratory testing.

Unist Coolube® 2210 and 2210EP are both USDA BioPreferred products and are tested and certified biobased products. Coolube® 2210 is certified biobased with a renewable, biobased content of 93%. Coolube® 2210EP is a certified lubricant with a biobased content of 92%.This reinforces what we’ve know about Coolube all along: it’s made from natural and renewable plant-based materials.

They’re still the same great lubricants that thousands of metalworkers have come to love and rely on for improved cut quality and tool life. They just have new USDA feathers in their caps!

Filed under: Drilling, Steel Fabrication

The usage and environment of metal cutting fluids cause them to change over time. So, a similar product can have a very different composition after using it in certain systems for sometime. Therefore, fluid maintenance is crucial for a better application of the fluid.

Besides, keeping the properties of a fluid within the required limits can increase its life span. The parameters monitored when it comes to the correct maintenance of fluids are oil concentration, PH level, corrosion inhibition and microbial contamination.

Oil Concentration

High concentration raises the fluid costs via wasted concentrate, lowers the dissipation of heat, lubrication and foaming. Since the fluid undergoes evaporation under standard temperature and pressure (STP), the high concentration may make it more toxic as well.

High concentration mainly results from water evaporation during the machining process. On the other hand, low concentration causes shorter tool life, poor lubricity, high biological activity and a high risk for corrosion.

PH Level

The fluid’s PH level shows its quality. The PH level is the measurement of a fluid’s acidity or alkalinity. Neutral PH value is usually 7. Values below 7 mean that the solution is acidic and higher values represent alkaline solutions. The recommended PH value for a water-miscible fluid is between 8.8 and 9.2.

When the PH value drops below 8.0, it means that the fluid is becoming less efficient and has a higher risk of both corrosion and microbial contamination.  If the PH value exceeds 9.5, then the fluid poses a risk for dermatitis and skin irritation. The methods used for detecting the PH level are litmus paper, electronic PH meters and titration.

Microbial Contamination

This can be estimated by checking the dissolved oxygen in a mixture. Aerobic bacterial growth depends on oxygen. Therefore, you can measure the dissolved oxygen and be able to estimate the biological contamination.

Corrosion Inhibition

Testing the fluid’s corrosion properties helps to protect those metal parts that are in contact with the fluid. Corrosion protection of the fluid reduces with a complete dissolution of oil in water and this will guide you when to add oil to the system.

Filed under: Articles.

It is always good to use efficient metal cutting fluids because it is not only good for you but also for the machines. A good fluid whose use is on the increase is vegetable oil and specifically, the coolube 2210. Here are its main benefits:

  1. It is inexpensive if applied the correct way
    This means you can use only a small amount of this fluid on a large surface. In the long run, you will carry out several operations using only a little amount. This will save you the cost of getting new fluids for your metal works.
  2. Improves tool life
    If you do not use the right cutting oils, odds are your tools will undergo corrosion and may not last as long as it should. However, using vegetable oils creates a big difference as the fluid protects the machined surface against the destructive corrosion. This improves the lifespan of your metal tools.
  3. Non toxic
    Some fluids are not friendly to the user. If you spend most of your time doing metal work, you will possibly be affected by such fluids. This is because they contain substances that can harm you if they get to your skin or inhaled. However, vegetable oil is safe to use and non toxic.
  4. Odour free, clear and non-staining
    When using unfriendly fluids, one of the things you should be ready to deal with is the odour from these fluids. If you are allergic to the smell of certain oils, then you cannot use such oils for long. Luckily, vegetable oils are odour free. Besides, they do not stain, which also saves your working outfit and the tools.
  5. Does not become sticky (oxidise)
    One of the functions played by a cutting fluid is to cool the hot surface to enable part handling. So, if the fluid becomes sticky, handling will become tricky. The coolube 2210 oil does not stick hence ideal for use.
Filed under: Articles.

Recycling is the process that involves the elimination of cutting fluid disposal. Given the ongoing changes in environmental regulations across the globe, recycling is becoming an essential part of most industries. In the 1960s, many people did not care about the danger posed by used cutting fluids.

Consequently, they did not perform any treatment prior to fluid disposal. In the modern day, the cost of fluid disposal exceeds that of purchasing new fluids when you take into account dilution factors.

Moreover, organic water-soluble materials, which don’t respond accordingly to mechanical or chemical recycling methods, are usually the components of semi-chemical and chemical fluids. Any attempts of separation can lead to a water phase with a high level of BOD and COD that can cause hefty sewer surcharges.

It is easier to dispose of the emulsion fluids using present technology and so, the disposal cost is reduced. Regardless of the fluid, the costs of disposal are still significant though recycling is a viable option these days. Actually, there are a high number of plants that have coolant recycling systems.

In a modern recycling plant, the used fluid undergoes recycling and treatment after which it moves from the recycling place to the machine tools where it can be reused. The practical benefits of recycling these fluids are:  reduced fluid usage, eliminates fluid disposal (which is costly), reduces fluid related dermatitis by a greater percentage, eliminates the machine tool rust and extends the tool life.

Whether you are involved in metal operations at the industrial or proprietor level, it is worth protecting yourself and the environment. And the best way to do this is to observe recycling of the fluids used in metal work. You will not only be at peace with the local authority, but you will also enjoy your work and improve the lifespan of your metal tools.

Filed under: Articles.