Intertek Netherlands expands quality monitoring testing programs for metalworking fluids

August 21, 2015

Intertek announced the availability of enhanced quality testing and condition monitoring services for metalworking fluids (MWFs) in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. By increasing the number of quality staff, with a wide range of expertise, and new equipment, the laboratory in Rotterdam is the only facility in the Intertek network of laboratories that is capable of providing many of the tests related to metalworking fluids.

Metalworking fluids are complex formulations which contain diverse additive types to ensure optimum performance. Metal cutting creates heat and particles which can damage equipment and products. Among the benefits and expected functions of MWF’s are cooling, lubricity, corrosion protection, welding prevention, metal chip flushing, metal fragment removal and surface integrity improvement.

Contaminants such as microbes and “tramp oil” can also enter MWF systems, accelerating fluid degradation over time. For these reasons, it is important to monitor the quality and condition of MWFs over their operating lifetimes to help ensure that performance is maintained at acceptable levels. Wear metal testing detects metal wear contamination, improving machinery reliability and preventing damage and downtime.

“With our new services for metalworking fluids, Intertek offers a complete oil condition monitoring portfolio, for both lubricant oils and metalworking fluids,” said Frank van Broekhoven, laboratory manager, Intertek Rotterdam.

The Intertek Rotterdam laboratory performs the following metalworking fluid tests: