Why You Should Use Bio-based Lubricants

If your company would like to increase the factory throughput, reduce tool maintenance costs and improve product quality in a safe environment, then you may want to start using bio-based metal cutting fluids. These fluids have superior viscosity and excellent lubricity. To achieve the goal of energy independence and a cleaner surrounding, then you may use bio-based or vegetable oils.

  1. Reduce Friction
    Petroleum lubricants contain additives such as sulphur and chlorine that provide lubricity. However, bio-based lubricants have unique lubricity that doesn’t rely on chemical additives. Their added lubricity lowers friction. Reduced friction in turn reduces cutting forces. This leads to low heat during the cutting process. Less friction also extends the tool life by reducing the wear on the cutting tools.
  2. High Flash Point – Less smoke and fire risk
    Bio-based oils have a higher flash point than the petroleum ones. Flash points usually reduce with decrease in viscosity. The flash point of petroleum is around 148 degrees C or 300 degrees F while bio-based oil has the flash point of about 310 degrees C or 590 degrees F. The high flash point reduces smoke and fire risks when cutting metals.
  3. Easy Cleanup
    It is easy to clean up bio-based coolants and oils from machines. You simply need to use water and soap. Besides, when left on steel parts, bio-based residue prevents rusting. The oils are non-staining on several metals, including aluminium alloys and brass.
  4. Safe to use
    These lubricants are not ecologically hazardous before being used. They can produce mist that forms large droplets, which fall near the source. When using these lubricants, you should not worry about dermatitis after the fluids get to your skin.

Case studies show a real improvement in surface finish, tool life, and productivity when using bio-based lubricants. A manufacturer of Detroit gear ran production twice a day. However, tool costs reduced profits on this part. They chose to switch from petroleum-based oils to bio-based cutting oils. The tool life improved by 300 percent and so, vegetable oils are efficient.

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