Clariant launches online guide for synthetic metalworking fluids
Clariant, a specialty chemical company based in Muttenz, Switzerland, has launched online a comprehensive set of low-foaming, multifunctional additives alongside formulation guidance to support mineral oil free, more bio-resistant water soluble fluids that boost machining efficiency, productivity and protection with fewer ingredients.
“Fully synthetic metalworking fluids have been used in ferrous grinding operations for some time, but their use in aluminum cutting has increased more recently. We want to make it easier for lubricant manufacturers to adjust more sustainable products to this new area as demand grows for parts made from lightweight, recyclable metal in industries such as automotive, construction and E&E,” says Hermann Bach, head of Strategic Marketing & Innovation Care Chemicals, Clariant.
Fully synthetic fluids are an important tool in more sustainable aluminum cutting operations. Clariant has now screened additives from across its entire portfolio, testing them in specific applications to determine their benefits for all kinds of high-performing fully synthetic metalworking fluids. Updated web pages provide manufacturers with a full overview of the properties of each ingredient. This new resource presents the best way of formulating them to access their full potential and the synergies between them.
“We’re committed to helping manufacturers find and get the most out of multifunctional ingredients to reduce formulation complexity, optimize fluid performance and use-life, increase corrosion protection and support cleaner operations,” Bach says.
Customers can clearly see what is available to achieve their needs, from biodegradable additives and Lubricant Substance Classification (LuSC) listed ingredients compatible with environmental labels, to the support of guide formulations that offer the potential to use less biocide.
Clariant’s comprehensive set of additives, corrosion inhibitors and agents have no or very low toxicity, with the vast majority being biodegradable and free of health and environmental hazard labels.
Clariant’s portfolio also includes those that carry German water hazard class 1 (WGK1) for protection of aquatic life. Alongside the environmental benefits of avoiding mineral oil, the transparent, non-milky compositions of fully synthetic fluids also bring the advantage of improving workpiece and tooling visibility. This supports higher machining rates which can be enhanced further through low-foaming additives.
For more information on Clariant’s support visit Clariant.com.
