ABSTRACT
The cutting fluid is an important component of the machining system in many applications. Cutting fluids are used in a large proportion of metal cutting operations to improve tool life, surface finish, and dimensional stability, and to help clear chips from the cutting zone. For many materials, cutting fluids are necessary to achieve acceptable part quality and tooling costs. However, cutting fluid acquisition, management, and treatment costs are a significant fraction of the overall operating expense in wet applications, and the fluids may also present an exposure risk to machine operators and require additional investment for enclosures, fire suppression, and air treatment.
