Biodiesel use in Metalworking Fluids

Fatty Acid Methyl Ester Metalworking Fluids

Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) are a type of vegetable oil-based lubricant that is increasingly being used in metalworking fluids (MWFs). FAME-based MWFs offer a number of advantages over traditional mineral oil-based MWFs, including their environmental friendliness, safety, and performance.

Environmental Friendliness

FAME-based MWFs are biodegradable and non-toxic, making them a more environmentally friendly option than mineral oil-based MWFs. This is important for businesses that are looking to reduce their environmental impact.

Safety

FAME-based MWFs are less flammable and less likely to cause skin irritation than mineral oil-based MWFs. This makes them safer for workers to use, which is important for businesses that are concerned about workplace safety.

Performance

FAME-based MWFs can provide better lubrication and cooling performance than mineral oil-based MWFs. This can lead to improved productivity and reduced tool wear, which can save businesses money.

Properties

The specific properties of FAME-based MWFs that make them well-suited for metalworking include:

• Low viscosity: FAME-based MWFs have a low viscosity, which makes them easy to apply and to remove from the workpiece. This is important for ensuring that the MWF is evenly distributed and that it does not interfere with the cutting process.

• Good lubricity: FAME-based MWFs provide good lubrication, which helps to reduce friction and wear between the cutting tool and the workpiece. This can help to improve the life of the cutting tool and to reduce the amount of scrap produced.

• Good cooling properties: FAME-based MWFs have good cooling properties, which help to prevent the workpiece from overheating. This is important for preventing damage to the workpiece and for maintaining the accuracy of the cutting process.

• Biodegradability: FAME-based MWFs are biodegradable, which means that they can be broken down by microorganisms in the environment. This is important for businesses that are concerned about environmental sustainability.

Applications

FAME-based MWFs are becoming increasingly popular for a variety of metalworking applications, including:

• CNC machining: FAME-based MWFs are well-suited for CNC machining, as they provide good lubrication and cooling performance. This can help to improve the accuracy and productivity of the machining process.

• Grinding: FAME-based MWFs are also well-suited for grinding, as they help to prevent the workpiece from overheating. This can help to prevent damage to the workpiece and to maintain the accuracy of the grinding process.

• Drawing: FAME-based MWFs can also be used for drawing, as they help to prevent the workpiece from sticking to the die. This can help to improve the quality of the finished product.

Conclusion

FAME-based MWFs offer a number of advantages over traditional mineral oil-based MWFs. They are environmentally friendly, safe for workers, and provide better performance. As a result, they are becoming increasingly popular for a variety of metalworking applications.

If you need samples of biodiesel for use in Metalworking fluids please contact us over Ibrahim@BioRotterdam.com