Achieving Company Growth In the Industrial and Manufacturing Sectors

Posted on: 8 November 2019

Regardless of what it is you are making, anytime you use a milling machine, heat is generated. In fact, the heat can cause damage to the machine and reduce the quality of whatever you are making. So, it is important that you have milling machine coolant on hand at all times. Unfortunately, there are a few different types of coolants and a few different ways the coolant gets where it needs to be in the machine. Here is a bit of information that can help you make sure you get what is needed.

Types of Coolant

Quite often, people use the term lubricant when they mean coolant. While some coolants do contain a lubricant, not all of them do. It is important you understand which type coolant is best used for the type of material you will be milling. This means you may have to change the coolant if you will be milling some steel alloys after milling aluminum. The different basic types of coolants include:

• Emulsions of oil and water with an emulsifier added
• Concentrated chemical emulsions that mix with water
• Straight cutting oils with no water added
• Compressed air or other inert gasses
• Wax, paste, or soaps

Each different type will be used at a specific concentration for the different materials you are milling.

Delivery Methods

Not all coolant gets to the place it needs to be in the same manner. In addition, you need to be sure that the coolant is being delivered at the proper pressure or you risk damaging parts of the machine as well as the item you are making. Here are the common delivery methods for milling machine coolants:

• Air delivery is done with compressed air or other inert gasses. It is used when the object you are making would be damaged if a liquid coolant contacted it directly.
• Mist delivery is used with any of the liquid coolants. It is best for items that can handle a bit of moisture but not a lot of pressure.
• Flooding is like bathing the parts and the object in a coolant that has a lubricant in it. This is ideal when the whole surface needs to be cooled but cannot be put under any pressure.
• High pressure cooling uses a very high pressure to keep the parts cool and lubricated. It is best used when you are drilling into something and need to heat the hole.

If you notice a burning smell or see even tendrils of smoke coming from the product being milled, stop immediately and check the coolant level. Having the right amount of the proper coolant will save the machine and your production.