The Comprehensive Guide to Metalworking Fluid (MWF)

P

Supporting our towns, cities and transportation infrastructure, most large structures we see today are supported by steel frames. That’s because steel is non-combustible and is extremely durable and strong, making it a safe and reliable choice for buildings and infrastructure.

• Working with Steel

Steel is typically a metal that is very machinable, but as this is such a large metal group, there is some variation in machinability. Machining steel, as with all metals, is about striking the perfect balance between machining the workpiece as quickly as possible without generating too much heat and stress to the machine tool and part. With steel, a good indication that that balance has been achieved is when the steel chips are blue in colour, indicating that not too much heat was generated but enough that the highest potential working speed was met.

• Metalworking Fluid

Typically when machining steel, cooling is more important than lubrication, making a synthetic or semisynthetic the right choice of coolant depending on the hardness of the metal being worked.

To find exactly the right metalworking fluid for your steel operation, contact Master Fluid Solutions here.

M

Stainless steel is extremely resistant to corrosion and strong acids and is used to create implements that need to be free of tarnishes such as medical instruments and kitchen utensils. There are five main groups of stainless steel, each with its own unique crystalline structure: austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, precipitation hardenable and duplex. The different types within each group represent a unique composition of iron, carbon, chromium and other materials. Esters, sulfur and chlorine are great lubricity additives for stainless steel, especially when the metal is especially gummy.

• Austenitic

Austenitic stainless steels are the most common group around the world, representing two-thirds of all stainless steel. The most commonly machined types are S304 and S316. Austenitic stainless steels vary from very gummy to easily machined. When it comes to choosing an MWF, we typically recommend one of our high-oil MicroSol microemulsions to accommodate austenitic stainless steel’s wide range of machinability.

• Ferritic

The second most common stainless steels are ferritic stainless steels, with the most commonly used types being S409 and S430. Ferritic stainless steels have a similar machining behaviour to a steel alloy. When machining this metal, cooling is the primary concern. For that reason, we typically recommend a synthetic or low-oil semisynthetic coolant.

• Martensitic

Less common and less corrosion-resistant than the austenitic and ferritic stainless steels, martensitic stainless steels are extremely hard, make very fine chips and are abrasive. The most commonly used types of martensitic stainless steel are S416 and S420. When choosing an MWF for this type of metal, we typically recommend a coolant with a higher oil content, such as one of our soluble oils or MicroSol microemulsions.

• Precipitation Hardenable

Primarily used in aerospace and energy markets, precipitation hardenable stainless steels (or age-hardening steels) are extremely strong due to their crystalline structures. The most common types of precipitation hardenable stainless steels are 15-5PH and 17-4PH. This type of metal varies considerably from gummy to hard depending on the treatment. When machining precipitation hardenable stainless steels, we typically recommend using a MicroSol microemulsion with a high oil content.

• Duplex

The rarest group of stainless steels are duplex stainless steels, the most common type being 2205. This group of stainless steel combines the microstructures of austenitic and ferritic stainless steel at a ratio of around 50:50. This combination of the two crystalline structures gives it twice as much yield strength as austenitic stainless steel. However, this metal group is extremely difficult to machine. When choosing a MWF for duplex stainless steels, we typically recommend a coolant with a higher oil content, such as one of our soluble oils or MicroSol microemulsions.

To find exactly the right metalworking fluid for your stainless steel operation, contact Master Fluid Solutions here.

K

Cast iron is an iron alloy composed of around 96% iron, around 2% carbon and 2% silicon as well as small amounts of other materials. Melted in a cupola furnace, the metal is poured into molds where it solidifies. Though not as tough as steel, cast iron is a rigid metal, is highly resistant to deformation and is very absorbent to vibrations, making it a great material for infrastructure.

• Working with Cast Iron

As a rigid metal, cast iron is not an easy metal to machine, quickly becoming hard, brittle and unmalleable. When machining iron, typically very fine chips are produced that are dust-like in quality making the machining of this metal a rather messy process.

• Metalworking Fluid

Cooling is key when it comes to choosing an MWF for cast iron machining operations. Lubrication is of far less importance due to the graphite contained in cast iron that makes this metal self-lubricating. Another important factor to consider when choosing a lubricant is finding one that doesn’t smut from graphite accumulation. We typically recommend a semisynthetic or low-oil synthetic when machining cast iron.

To find exactly the right metalworking fluid for your cast iron operation, contact Master Fluid Solutions here.

N

Nonferrous metals are metals that contain no iron, making them completely resistant to rust. These metals include aluminium, yellow metals and magnesium-based alloys.

• Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys

Used in household appliances, vehicles and constructions, aluminium and aluminium alloys are typically gummy and need a lot of lubrication. When choosing an MWF, aluminiums are best machined with neat oils, high-oil MicroSol microemulsions and soluble oils. Esters and chlorine are great lubricity additives for aluminium and when choosing a metalworking fluid for an aluminium alloy, be sure to choose a coolant that is compatible with the grading to avoid staining.

• Yellow Metals

Yellow metals, including brass, bronze, copper and copper-tin, are typically gummy and are difficult to machine. When machining copper and copper alloys, copper can accumulate in the metalworking fluid causing oil-based MWFs to split prematurely. In synthetics, this manifests itself as green-blue residue that will plate out and accumulate over your machine tool. When machining leaded yellow metals, avoid using chlorinated products as this can result in rock-hard residue. For occasional machining, MicroSol microemulsions and semisynthetics typically work well with yellow metals. If yellow metals are your primary metal, contact Master Fluid Solutions to receive specific recommendations.

• Magnesium-based Alloys

Magnesium-based alloys are easy to machine. However, there are many hazards associated with machining this metal. Before applying any type of metalworking fluid to this flammable metal, contact Master Fluid Solutions.

To find exactly the right metalworking fluid for your nonferrous metal operation, contact Master Fluid Solutions here.

S

With high corrosion and creep resistance, superalloys, also known as high-performance alloys, are stronger and more durable than standard alloys, and are able to operate at a high fraction of their melting point. Being heat resistant makes them perfect for the aerospace and energy industries.

• Superalloys

Two well-known brands of superalloy are Inconel^® and Incoloy^®, both of which are used primarily in the aerospace, automotive, energy and naval industries. Superalloys are typically difficult to work with as they generate heat, are abrasive, get harder while being worked on and can be sticky, creating built-up edge on the workpiece. Higher lubricity is typically recommended for super alloys including MicroSol microemulsions and emulsions. A chlorine additive can also be beneficial when machining superalloys, though chlorine additives are typically not permitted in aerospace manufacturing.

• Titanium Alloys

With outstanding corrosion resistance, titanium alloys are used both in air and sea transportation industries as well as in the medical industry. Titanium is strong, light and extremely heat resistant and is the metal of choice in air- and space crafts as well as missiles. This group of non-magnetic metal is also used for hip replacements and other medical and dental prosthetics and implants due to its durability. Not only is titanium a very expensive metal and therefore requires utmost care when machining, it is also very difficult to machine, losing only around 25% heat in the chips. The rest of the heat stays in the workpiece and the machine tool creating a very unique challenge when machining titanium - it needs a metalworking fluid that is both extremely lubricative and extremely cooling. To strike this perfect balance between lubricating and cooling, we recommend a MicroSol microemulsion.

To find exactly the right metalworking fluid for your superalloy operation, contact Master Fluid Solutions here.

H

Hardened steel is carbon steel that has been treated through a process called quenching which involves heating and cooling carbon steel to create an extremely hard, robust metal that is almost impossible to break. Used for power tools and machine manufacturing, medical instruments and automotive parts, hardened steel can be put under huge amounts of continuous physical stress and abrasion and still stay strong.

• Working with Hardened Steel

As a hardened metal, machining hardened steel can be difficult, generating a large amount of heat and damaging the cutting edge.

• Metalworking Fluid

To find exactly the right metalworking fluid for your hardened steel operation, contact Master Fluid Solutions here.

Machining metal is a metal removal process that encompasses many different operations:

• Turning: While the part turns, a sharp tool makes a linear movement, making contact with the tuning part to shape it.
• Surface milling: A rotating cutting tool comes into contact with the part, removing precise amounts of metal.
• Drilling: A rotating cutting tool creates a hole in the part.
• Threading: A tool is used to cut the thread around a part such as a screw.
• Tapping: A rotating tool is used to create a thread in a part’s hole where another object can be screwed in.
• Sawing: A toothed blade either rotates or moves backward and forwards cutting the workpiece.

When metalworking tools start to wear down, the end product may not meet tolerance specifications and the machine itself may require repairs due to excessive spindle vibration. The right cutting fluid can increase tool life by 214% and improve the performance of metalworking machines by reducing friction, cooling and clearing the chip zone, curtailing corrosion and cutting down on residue formation. In optimal conditions, using the right cutting fluid can even reduce tool wear at higher cutting speeds.

Here’s a breakdown of typical challenges manufacturers may face when using the wrong cutting fluid:

• The problem with foam: Using the wrong metalworking fluid can create foam. If you have fine foam that looks like shaving cream, that’s caused mechanically by pumps or machines. Foam can be difficult to break up and run coolant out on the floor, creating a safety concern around the machine. The other problem caused by foam is that, if you try to cut with it, it will not carry the heat away from the tool and cause it to wear down faster.
• Rusting machinery: Another problem that can arise with the wrong or low-quality metalworking fluid is that it can create rust on the machinery. Corrosion can form anywhere on the machine and also on the metal being machined.
• Sticky switches: Poor metalworking fluid can also leave residue on the machine. This can cause the plates to get sticky and gum up the switches. If it gets really bad, the residue can build up in tool holders and the tools could fall out, slowing production, breaking inserts or drill tips on the tools and potentially injuring workers.
• Foul odours: While odours aren’t strictly related to machine performance, it does affect operator performance, which in turn impacts production. The odour might be caused by the metalworking fluid itself, or from the machining lubricants leaking into the coolant. Metalworking fluids tend to start smelling bad as it ages, not maintained properly and as workers treat sumps poorly by using them as a substitute for a trash can or spittoon. The metalworking fluid used needs to resist contamination to prevent this performance issue.

Learn more about the range of MWF fluids we offer for your machining operation by clicking a metal below:

Learn more about the range of MWF fluids we offer for your machining operation by clicking a metal below:

P Steel

M Stainless Steel

K Cast Iron

N Nonferrous

S Superalloys

Want to get your machining operation running cleaner, faster and more efficiently? Click here to get in touch with your nearest distributor who will find just the right metalworking fluid for your operation.

Expand your knowledge while improving your bottom line - check out our selection of machining blog articles here.

Grinding is another metal removal process that encompasses many different operations:

• Plain grinding: Using an abrasive grinding wheel, grinding is a metalworking process that results in accurately sized parts.
• Blanchard: When grinding oversized parts, a heavy-duty Blanchard machine is used to remove large amounts of metal, focusing on size over precision.
• Form grinding: This involves using an abrasive grinding wheel that is shaped to grind the workpiece into the exact shape of the final part.
• Form cylindrical Typically used in grinding operations for cylindrical parts, form cylindrical grinding uses a specialised grinding wheel shaped to fit the part.

Some of the most common challenges in grinding operations manifest as issues with workpiece surface finish, productivity, material costs and tolerances. Regardless of the cause of these problems, simply upgrading to the right cutting and grinding fluid can dramatically improve grinding processes.

Here’s a breakdown of typical challenges manufacturers may face and how the right cutting fluid can combat them:

• Poor or inconsistent surface finish: Grinding is often a part finishing process, and it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of poor finish quality in a grinding operation since it could be caused by previous operations. Switching to higher-quality cutting fluid optimised for precision grinding operations can help alleviate many finish quality issues. Fluids with higher lubricity can help grinding wheels achieve a smoother, more polished finish. They also keep grinding wheels clean and minimise the need for wheel dressings.
• Burning: Thermal damage, or burning, manifests in a variety of ways, including discoloration on the workpiece, surface distortions on the part and even workpiece hardness. To avoid this threat to productivity, try switching to a cutting fluid with more advanced cooling and lubricity. With a high-performance grinding fluid, operators may be able to increase feed rates or depth of cut, both of which increase productivity.
• Short wheel life: If the grinding wheel is too hard, too soft or otherwise mismatched to the material being machined, the wheel could load up or break down faster, resulting in unnecessary machine downtime and higher consumable costs. The right grinding fluid is also essential to maximising wheel life, as the wrong one could lack the necessary lubricity and cooling.
• Short fluid life: Grinding operations can create a lot of swarf which can build up in the fluid tanks if not filtered properly. This swarf buildup can lead to bacteria issues and contaminate the grinding fluid quickly. Poor sump life also presents several productivity and material cost issues.

Learn more about the range of MWF fluids we offer for your grinding operation by clicking a metal below:

P Steel

M Stainless Steel

K Cast Iron

N Nonferrous

S Superalloys

Want to get your grinding operation running cleaner, faster and more efficiently? Click here to get in touch with your nearest distributor who will find just the right metalworking fluid for your operation.

Expand your knowledge while improving your bottom line - check out our selection of grinding blog articles here.

Due to their little to no oil content, synthetics leave very low residue for easy cleaning.

Paired with extremely low carryoff, synthetics translate to less maintenance and lower operational costs, saving you time and money. Semisynthetics are typically hard-water tolerant with good corrosion protection.

Types of Metal Typically Compatible with Synthetics

P Steel: Typically when machining steel, cooling is more important than lubrication, making a synthetic or semisynthetic the right choice of coolant depending on the hardness of the metal being worked.

M Stainless Steel - Ferritic: Ferritic stainless steels have a similar machining behaviour to a steel alloy. When machining this metal, cooling is the primary concern. For that reason, we typically recommend a synthetic or low-oil semisynthetic coolant.

K Cast Iron: Cooling is key when it comes to choosing an MWF for cast iron machining operations. We typically recommend a semisynthetic or low-oil synthetic when machining cast iron.

Click here to see some of the products in our range of synthetics.

Semisynthetics can offer the cooling and lubricity of a synthetic without the higher oil content of an emulsion.

Designed to operate at higher Meters per Minute (M/Min), semisynthetics perform well on many operations including face milling, cut-off turning, grinding, tapping and drilling. Semisynthetics are compatible with alloy steels, tool steels, cast irons, copper alloys, as well as plastics and composites. With less carryoff (meaning less MWF is carried away with the chips), semisynthetics use less material which all adds up to lower costs.

Types of Metal Typically Compatible with Semisynthetics

P Steel: Typically when machining steel, cooling is more important than lubrication, making a synthetic or semisynthetic the right choice of coolant depending on the hardness of the metal being worked.

M Stainless Steel - Ferritic: Ferritic stainless steels have a similar machining behaviour to a steel alloy. When machining this metal, cooling is the primary concern. For that reason, we typically recommend a synthetic or low-oil semisynthetic coolant.

N Nonferrous - Yellow Metals: For occasional machining, MicroSol microemulsions and semisynthetics typically work well with yellow metals. If yellow metals are your primary metal, contact Master Fluid Solutions to receive specific recommendations.

K Cast Iron: Cooling is key when it comes to choosing an MWF for cast iron machining operations. We typically recommend a semisynthetic or low-oil synthetic when machining cast iron.

Click here to see some of the products in our range of semisynthetic metalworking fluids.

Microemulsions balance the best of both worlds - the lubricity of oil mixed with the cooling capabilities of synthetics - making them the best choice when it comes to precision parts manufacturing.

TRIM MicroSol microemulsions deliver high-performance lubricity and ultimately lower costs by providing higher precision to parts, exceptional tool life, extended sump life, assured regulatory compliance and greater profitability. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of the aerospace, medical, automotive and high production, precision parts manufacturing industries, there's a MicroSol microemulsion to answer your concerns, ramp up your production and boost your bottom line.

Types of Metal Typically Compatible with Microemulsions

M Stainless Steel - Austenitic: When it comes to choosing an MWF, we typically recommend one of our high-oil MicroSol microemulsions to accommodate austenitic stainless steel’s wide range of machinability.

M Stainless Steel - Martensitic: When choosing an MWF for this type of metal, we typically recommend a coolant with a higher oil content, such as one of our soluble oils or MicroSol microemulsions.

M Stainless Steel - Precipitation Hardenable: When machining precipitation hardenable stainless steels, we typically recommend using a MicroSol microemulsion with a high oil content.

M Stainless Steel - Duplex: When choosing a MWF for duplex stainless steels, we typically recommend a coolant with a higher oil content, such as one of our soluble oils or MicroSol microemulsions.

N Nonferrous - Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys: When choosing an MWF, aluminiums are best machined with neat oils, high-oil MicroSol microemulsions and soluble oils.

N Nonferrous - Yellow Metals: For occasional machining, MicroSol microemulsions and semisynthetics typically work well with yellow metals. If yellow metals are your primary metal, contact Master Fluid Solutions to receive specific recommendations.

S Superalloys: Higher lubricity is typically recommended for super alloys including MicroSol microemulsions and soluble oils.

S Superalloys - Titanium Alloys: To strike the perfect balance between lubricating and cooling, we recommend a MicroSol microemulsion for titanium alloys.

Click here to see some of the products in our range of microemulsion metalworking fluids.

Soluble oils are metalworking fluids that have a high oil content (>50%), making them ideal for heavy-duty applications such as broaching, reaming, deep hole drilling, drilling, tapping and centreless grinding.

With superior lubricity and a higher oil content, TRIM soluble oils work well for machining copper, yellow metals, steel alloys, cast aluminiums, wrought aluminiums and tough-to-machine titanium and nickel-based alloys.

Types of Metal Typically Compatible with Soluble Oils

M Stainless Steel - Martensitic: When choosing an MWF for this type of metal, we typically recommend a coolant with a higher oil content, such as one of our soluble oils or MicroSol microemulsions.

N Nonferrous - Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys: When choosing an MWF, aluminiums are best machined with neat oils, high-oil MicroSol microemulsions and soluble oils.

S Superalloys: Higher lubricity is typically recommended for super alloys including MicroSol microemulsions and soluble oils.

Click here to see some of the products in our range of soluble oil metalworking fluids.

Neat oils, also known as straght oils, are used "straight up" without dilution of water.

Neat oils are there for operations that don’t necessarily need cooling but need maximum lubrication instead. Providing maximum lubricity, TRIM neat oils have extreme pressure ability which effectively protects the tool, prolongs its service life and can obtain extremely high workpiece precision and surface finish. Depending on the specific product, some TRIM neat oils are a high-end blend of various base oils; while others contain extreme-pressure additives to control built-up edge and prolong tool life.

Types of Metal Typically Compatible with Neat Oils

N Nonferrous - Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys: When choosing an MWF, aluminiums are best machined with neat oils, high-oil MicroSol microemulsions and soluble oils.

Click here to see some of the products in our range of neat oils.

Our neo-synthetics, a revolutionary new category of fluid formulated with leading-edge technology, is changing the way the industry looks at coolants.

neo-synthetics keep machines running clean using the most environmentally safe ingredients satisfying strict environmental advocates, safety professionals and demanding production managers alike.

HyperSol 888NXT's neo-synthetic technology masters the art of versatility. Providing exceptional performance on hard aerospace metals such as titanium and high-nickel alloys, stainless steels and Inconel^®, it also offers the superior lubricity necessary for machining soft, gummy aluminium alloys. Delivering low foam, low odour and a long-running lifespan while meeting the strictest environmental regulations, HyperSol 888NXT is redefining excellence in the coolant industry.

Types of Metal Typically Compatible with neo-synthetics

Designed for the aerospace industry, HyperSol 888NXT is ideal for machining hard metals which can include various grades of stainless steel (M), titanium alloys (S) and nickel-based alloys.

Click here to learn more about HyperSol 888NXT.

How long does the cleaning process last?

30 minutes of cleaning is likely to be more successful than 30 seconds.

For the most part, the longer you clean something, the cleaner it will be. When washing parts, this one factor can be very effective, immersing parts for a longer period can be a cost-effective way of getting them clean.

When it comes to cleaning out the machine however, time is something that is less available as machine downtime is very expensive. That’s where a high-quality cleaner comes in, minimising downtime or even eliminating it completely by adding the cleaner while the machine is still running.

Is there some agitation involved?

Movement and agitation such as rubbing your hands together when you wash them help the cleaning process.

When cleaning parts, agitation is a great way to get the job done quickly. This can be done with a spray cleaner, spraying jets of soapy water at the parts to get them clean. This method of cleaning does involve an initial investment into a spray cleaner which may be costly, but for many plants, it is well worth the expense for the time it saves.

When it comes to machine cleaning, agitation may be in the form of a cloth, rag, brush, or a high-speed jet of water. It is however almost impossible to get in and scrub out all those hidden areas. Agitation alone therefore is not enough to get your machine completely clean.

Do you use soap or only water?

Soap is a chemical but so is water. Using both is usually more beneficial than just one.

The chemicals added during the process are an important factor in cleaning parts and machines. Choosing the right cleaner can mean less time, agitation and heat is needed to get parts clean, making the process far more efficient and cost-effective.

The same is true for machine cleaning, and it is vital to find a cleaner that strikes the balance between attacking the oils, bio-films, scums and other nasty stuff quickly and at low temperatures without damaging the machines, machinists or the parts being made.

Do you use a cold or warm temperature?

We all know that to get your hands as clean as possible, warm water is better than cold and the same goes for most cleaning.

When cleaning parts, immersion cleaners take advantage of heat as a means of cleaning, immersing the parts in a hot bath to get them clean.

However, when it comes to machine cleaning, you’re pretty much limited to lower temperatures. It’s still important to wash as warm as possible and avoid using cold water to clean machines.

By flooding parts with the chemical cleaner, spray cleaning offers a fast, effective way to remove soil, coolant, and oil residue from a variety of metals, ranging from aluminium, steels, cast iron, stainless steels, alloys, brass, bronze, copper, to magnesium.

Like a dishwasher, high-pressure spray systems shoot powerful jets of heated solutions from all directions. Utilising a mixture of water-soluble cleaners or solvents, temperature control and force, unwanted debris is quickly and efficiently removed.

This type of system is ideal for less intricate parts — but items with complex geometries may present other challenges, as the high-pressure force of the jets may not reach every crevice, leaving contaminants behind to be washed again or cleaned by hand. However, some newer generation sprays feature pressure of upwards of 10,000 psi and washer jets specifically designed to reach into difficult-to-clean parts features.

In general, look for high-pressure spray washers that have several nozzles to reach the complete part, multiple stages such as wash, rinse and dry, and enough power to remove heavy soils without affecting the metal they’re cleaning. Many cleaning fluids in the Master STAGES catalog offer superior tramp oil resistance, giving them a long sump life. Some products are suitable for use with a wide array of metals, but many are formulated for specific categories, both in terms of safety and providing effective cleaning. Some of our products are even formulated to remove heavy contaminants for applications like rebuild operations.

Master STAGES spray cleaners are specially tailored to do the job quickly, and effectively, with less makeup and no staining of parts. Master STAGES in-process spray cleaners are tough and fast-acting with very low V.O.C.

Offering increased life, good tramp oil rejection, low odour, low foam, low mist and additional corrosion protection, highly-concentrated Master STAGES spray cleaners produce clean parts while reducing overall costs.

Click here to view our range of spray cleaners, or to get in touch with your nearest distributor who will find just the right spray cleaner for your operation, click here.

Immersion washers effectively remove residue from light to heavy soils, light rust, coolant, oil, drawing compounds, lubricants, waxy soil and corrosion inhibitors by submerging the parts into a diluted cleaner.

Immersion cleaners operate on a principle similar to ultrasonic cleaners, except the agitation is caused by moving the workpieces themselves, or the flow of the cleaning fluid. Parts are immersed in a bath on top of a reciprocating or dunk-style platform. As the platform moves up and down or side to side, the drag against the cleaning solution generates friction that pulls dirt and other contaminants off the surface of the metal. This method doesn’t clean as quickly as ultrasonic machines, but it’s less expensive than the other cleaner styles, especially for larger parts and contaminants that may need to soak in the fluid to loosen the grime.

Various solutions can be used for immersion cleaning, but in general, you should look for versatile fluids designed to remove the toughest greases and oils. Highly concentrated cleaners are ideal for this, as they can be mixed at lower concentrations for reduced chemical usage.

Designed for cleaning aluminium, steels, cast iron, stainless steels, alloys, brass, bronze, copper and magnesium and for multiple-metal situations, Master STAGES highly concentrated cleaners allow immersion washers to run at lower concentrations and lower temperatures with increased bath life, less foam and added corrosion protection.

Environmentally friendly, cost-effective Master STAGES immersion cleaners ensure exceptional parts cleaning while using less product and less energy - for a better bottom line.

Click here to view our range of immersion cleaning fluids, or to get in touch with your nearest distributor who will find just the right immersion cleaner for your operation, click here.

Ultrasonic parts washers - widely used in the medical, aerospace, automotive, mining, energy and precision parts industries - provide superior cleaning performance to all parts, even those with complex geometries.

Once parts are submerged in a bath with an ultrasound-generating transducer, the high-frequency vibration produces microscopic “cavities” in the liquid around the parts creating agitation that scrubs off debris and contaminants. This method removes even the toughest debris, leaving a pristine surface finish.

Looking for ultrasonic cleaning solutions that have exceptional wetting ability will ensure parts are cleaned faster, which helps reduce cycle time. Plus, find products that rapidly split oils, bringing them to the surface during the cleaning process so that the contaminants can then be skimmed or removed off the top of the cleaner bath to extend fluid life.

Master STAGES specifically developed ultrasonic in-process cleaners are highly effective in removing dirt, oils, rust, bacteria, grease, drawing compounds, waxy soil and other contaminants from a wide variety of metals including aluminum, steels, cast iron, stainless steels, alloys, brass, bronze, copper, or magnesium. Offering exceptional wetting ability, reduced cycle times, longer bath life and faster, safer precision parts cleaning, yet are environmentally friendly, Master STAGES ultrasonic cleaners are the cost-effective solution to achieving a matchless surface finish.

Click here to view our range of ultrasonic cleaners, or to get in touch with your nearest distributor who will find just the right ultrasonic cleaner for your operation, click here.

Whether cleaning true grit or light soils from machines, work surfaces, glass or floors, there's a highly concentrated, cost-effective maintenance cleaner to get the job done and save hours of maintenance.

Master STAGES highly concentrated sump and central system cleaners for interim and full cleanouts extend sump life and greatly reduce downtime. All Master STAGES environmentally-friendly products are safe for human contact and free of harmful, corrosive chemicals.

Click here to view our range of maintenance cleaning fluids, or to get in touch with your nearest distributor who will find just the right maintenance cleaner for your operation, click here.

Integrating sustainability into every aspect of your business not only ensures long-term success, it also makes a positive impact on the world - something every company should be striving for. But being a sustainable company isn't something that happens overnight - it takes many little steps in the right direction to make it happen. Here are a few ways your company can become more sustainable:

• Environmental responsibility: Recognising the impact your company's operations have on the environment, and beginning to minimising that impact. This includes reducing carbon footprint, conserving resources and preventing pollution.
• Innovation and efficiency: Finding creative solutions that improve efficiency, reduce waste and drive sustainable growth.
• Employee well-being: Creating a safe, inclusive and supportive work environment that nurtures talent and fosters personal and professional growth.
• Community engagement: Being responsible and contributing members of the larger community, and actively engaging with and giving back to the communities where you operate.
• Transparency and accountability: Being accountable for sustainability goals and outcomes.

Choosing Master Fluid Solutions means creating a partnership with a company that prides itself on its sustainable solutions, taking you a step closer to your sustainability goals.

Want to learn more about how choosing our metalworking fluid is a sustainable choice? Speak to one of our experts at Master Fluid Solutions or contact your nearest distributor.

Expand your knowledge while improving your bottom line - check out our selection of blog articles about sustainability here.

Composed of millions upon millions of parts, from minuscule screws in the control panel to the huge frames for the fuselage and wings, airplanes rely on metalworking plants to create parts that can be depended upon.

Here are some of the unique challenges faced in the aerospace industry:

• Parts manufactured for the aerospace industry must be extremely precise and flawless.
• Bound by strict regulations, all materials including the metalworking fluid used in aerospace production must be officially approved and meet local and internal health, safety and environmental standards.
• Coolants used in the aerospace industry must often meet the demands of high-pressure, high-volume applications.
• Tool costs are a significant contributor to the overall component cost, especially for titanium and Inconel impellers so tool life savings are vitally important.

There are numerous ways Master Fluid Solutions supports companies in the aerospace industry:

• Check out our product data sheets here to find all the aerospace approvals information critical to aerospace companies.
• Our new class of neo-synthetic water-soluble metalworking fluids such as HyperSol 888NXT are specifically designed for machining harder metal alloys used in aerospace applications.
• Many of our metalworking fluids extend tool life significantly, something that is highly important in the aerospace industry.

Click here to learn more about how Master Fluid Solutions can support your aerospace operation today.

Expand your knowledge while improving your bottom line - check out our selection of aerospace industry blog articles here.

Driven by higher consumer buying power and the electric vehicle market, the automotive industry is primed for growth. But just like any industry, this industry has its own set of challenges.

Here are some of the unique challenges faced in the automotive industry:

• Automotive parts must be delivered to exact specifications, with a very low tolerance for error.
• Consistency is critical and parts are carefully inspected and tracked.
• Bound by strict regulations, some materials including the metalworking fluid used in automotive production, may need OEM approvals.
• Production is often high volume and tool life is critical.
• To meet tighter fuel economy standards, automakers are reducing weight in vehicles wherever possible.

There are numerous ways Master Fluid Solutions supports companies in the automotive industry:

• Master Fluid Solutions fluids play a large role in ensuring that products meet automotive customers’ exacting standards.
• TRIM E923, a proprietary blend of extreme pressure additives, extends tool life and optimises lubricity - even in the most difficult cutting operations.
• Our stamping oil created for severe forming operations, allows steel and aluminium to form and reshape without defects into more complex, lightweight parts. The lower scrap rate also contributes to additional cost savings.
• Made with renewable, plant-based ingredients instead of petroleum, Master Fluid Solutions' neo-synthetic, TRIM HyperSol 888NXT, mitigates fossil fuel consumption in manufacturing and reduces carbon emissions.
• Sustainably made coolants such as HyperSol allow manufacturers to run machines faster without affecting finish quality or shortening tool life. In fact, a precision parts manufacturer improved tool life by 234 percent with HyperSol, while also increasing production speeds.

Click here to learn more about how Master Fluid Solutions can support your automotive operation today.

Expand your knowledge while improving your bottom line - check out our selection of automotive industry blog articles here.

From miniaturised medical device bearings to huge, heavy-duty bearings used in construction equipment, bearings are depended on to keep industry moving.

Here are some of the unique challenges faced in the bearing industry:

• As core components of most mechanical equipment, bearings must be unfailingly reliable.
• A small defect in the bearing can mean the difference between a bearing that moves smoothly and one that doesn't. Surface finishes are critical.
• Often bearing materials can create challenges for metalworking fluids such as elemental uptake.

There are numerous ways Master Fluid Solutions supports companies in the bearing industry:

• Metalworking fluid from Master Fluid Solutions improves the finish quality on intricate parts such as bearings.
• We offer fluids compatible with difficult bearing materials.

Click here to learn more about how Master Fluid Solutions can support your bearing machining operation today.

Creating aerospace and military weapons systems, components and parts, defence manufacturing is all about creating dependable parts for all conditions - even on the front lines.

Here are some of the unique challenges faced in the defence industry:

• Parts must be made to meet harsh all-weather conditions on land, in the air and at sea.
• Safety-critical production tolerances are a must.

There are numerous ways Master Fluid Solutions supports companies in the defence industry:

• Master Fluid Solutions provides high-performance fluids for difficult-to-machine materials.
• Our technical experts are always a phone call or email away, providing you with assistance, information and support.

Click here to learn more about how Master Fluid Solutions can support your defence manufacturing operation today.

The electronics industry is constantly on a quest for smaller, more powerful, yet less expensive parts. Manufacturing in the electronics industry, therefore, has to be fast and efficient, and yet extremely precise.

Here are some of the unique challenges faced in the electronics industry:

• Electronics companies are greatly affected by changes in the market and rapidly advancing technology.
• Margins in this industry are often thin.
• Ultra-high precision is vital in this industry as the slightest imperfection can have a detrimental effect on the functionality of the parts produced.
• Currently, the electronics manufacturing sector accounts for 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Specific sectors, like semiconductor fabrication, are especially resource intensive, requiring as much as 1.6 kilos of petroleum, and 32 kilos of water to produce a basic chip.

There are numerous ways Master Fluid Solutions supports companies in the electronics industry:

• As the market continues to fluctuate, our team of experts is there to support you every step of the way, helping your company adapt quickly.
• Choosing our next-generation MWFs will lead to long-term savings.
• Facilitating high-pressure, high-quality machining, there's a MWF for your unique operation that will ensure precision and accuracy.
• Companies transitioning into electronics manufacturing must find ways to eliminate waste and minimise their environmental impact within every step of production. Fortunately, the right cutting fluid can help manufacturers overcome the challenges of both producing electronic parts and improving their sustainability profile. Find out more here.

Click here to find out more about how Master Fluid Solutions can support your electronics company today.

Whether machining titanium, stainless, aluminium, exotics or yellow metals - turning, drilling, boring, milling or reaming - metal manufacturers are looking for ways of getting it done better, faster and at a lower cost.

Here are some of the unique challenges faced in machining:

• Machining operations often involve switching between parts and materials frequently.
• For a wide range of applications, a robust MWF fluid is needed.
• Machines may sit idle for extended periods.

There are numerous ways Master Fluid Solutions supports companies in the general machining industry:

• Our coolants are capable of providing excellent tool life on many different types of materials.
• We offer fluids with extended sump life to minimise machine cleanouts and waste.

Click here to learn more about how Master Fluid Solutions can support your general machining company today.

Expand your knowledge while improving your bottom line - check out our selection of machining blog articles here.

Some job shops specialise in small-batch, highly customised orders, but the challenges they face are anything but small.

Here are some of the unique challenges faced in the job shop industry:

• Production requirements are constantly changing, driving each team member to wear many hats and forcing someone like the shop owner to pull double duty in client outreach and daily management.
• When sales are strong, scheduling is yet another struggle. Working around tight customer deadlines with limited machines, space and staff - all the while still trying to turn a profit is no simple task.
• On any given day, operators might work with aluminium for a project in the morning, and brass, steel, stainless or iron in the afternoon. Many cutting fluids lack the versatility to cool and lubricate various metals and materials. Some coolants may even stain or corrode workpieces that they’re not compatible with.
• Supply chain sustainability is a major topic today - and this includes the cutting fluids used in manufacturing.

There are numerous ways Master Fluid Solutions supports companies in the job shop industry:

• The most effective solution is to choose a versatile cutting fluid like TRIM MicroSol 585XT that’s compatible with most metals and provides enough lubricity and cooling for every material in your shop.
• Job Shops should also consider selecting a fluid such as TRIM MicroSol 585XT or 590XT that offers broad OEM approvals from multiple manufacturers and industries. This allows shops to switch between jobs without changing fluids, and also offers the capability of using one fluid for all machines that meet all their customer requirements. This greatly reduces machine downtime and increases productivity.
• Cutting various types of metals can lead shops to use universal cutting tools. And on difficult materials, this might require frequent tool changes. Using the right coolant can eliminate this problem and greatly extend tool life.
• Our high-quality coolants are formulated to last longer without any additional products, saving time and money.
• Newer solutions on the market, such as biobased cutting fluids like our new TRIM HyperSol 888NXT, are made with ester oils instead of petroleum, minimising carbon emissions.

Expand your knowledge while improving your bottom line - check out our selection of job shop blog articles here.