Cutting fluid is a crucial element in CNC machining as it plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of the finished product and prolonging the life of the equipment used in the process. It is a type of coolant that prevents the machining process from overheating and removes debris and chips from the material being machined.
Cutting fluid is used whenever metal is being machined, be it drilling, milling, or turning. Its primary purpose is to lubricate the cutting tool to optimize its performance and prevent overheating. Additionally, cutting fluid helps to reduce the friction between the tool and the material being machined, which leads to higher machining speeds and less wear and tear on the tools.
In terms of when it's necessary to use cutting fluid, the answer is almost always. Without it, the heat generated by the machining process can cause the material being machined to warp or even melt. Furthermore, not using a cutting fluid can also result in dulling the cutting tool quickly, which will lead to a shorter tool lifespan and expensive tool replacement costs.
The choice of cutting fluid depends on the specific type of machining operation and the material being machined. For example, the optimal coolant for machining steel may not be the best choice for machining aluminum.