Emulsifiable lubricating-cooling oils
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Summary
The Science of Tribology and the Role of Coolants
Thermomechanical Dynamics and Fluid Selection
Metalworking processes generate extremely high temperatures and friction. Industrial lubricants manage this energy by creating a protective layer that reduces wear and resistance to mechanical processing. In this context, emulsifiable lubricating-cooling oils are the ideal solution: being blended, they combine the lubricating power of oil with the superior cooling capacity of water to remove heat from the working area of the tools.
Chemistry of Emulsifiable Lubricating-Cooling Oils and the Role of Additives
An emulsion is a dispersion of oil droplets in water, stabilized by engineered concentrates and key additives:
Emulsifiers: allow immiscible fluids to mix.
Corrosion inhibitors: protect metals exposed to water.
Friction modifiers and EP additives: resist severe mechanical loads.
Antifoams and biocides: ensure hydraulic and biological stability.
Depending on the size of the micelles, these emulsions can appear milky, translucent, or semi-transparent.
Operational Management
The Role of Water and Preparation Procedures
The efficiency of a water-based cooling lubricant depends heavily on proper plant practices. Since water represents the majority of the working fluid, its hardness, measured in French degrees (°F), is a critical parameter:
Water that is too hard: Triggers reactions with the emulsifiers, causing the precipitation of insoluble soaps (creams that rise to the surface).
Water that is too soft: Generates persistent foaming, which is particularly problematic in high-pressure dispensing systems.
Regarding preparation, the cardinal rule is to always pour the concentrate into the water (slowly and with constant agitation), and never vice versa, to avoid phase inversion.
Monitoring, Biological Pollution, and Maintenance
Systematic monitoring of tanks is based on checking concentrations using an optical refractometer and monitoring pH. A drop in pH below 9.0 is an early sign of bacterial growth, which causes fluid degradation.
This biological degradation is often accelerated by the presence of external oils (from guides and hydraulic circuits) that, floating, seal the tank and create the ideal anaerobic environment for bacteria.
The Excellence of the LUBROFIP 4000 Line
With thirty years of experience, Fiprokim designs industrial chemical specialties. Thanks to its in-house research laboratory, the company develops customized, safe, and high-performance solutions: proof of this is the LUBROFIP 4000 line of emulsifiable oils, which guarantee high tribological performance and are completely free of formaldehyde donors.
These are the main products of the LUBROFIP 4000 line:
LUBROFIP 4011
LUBROFIP 4011 is an emulsifiable oil designed for multi-metal chip removal operations. This formula, strictly free of formaldehyde donors, develops a translucent microemulsion in water that is stable over time. Featuring high EP properties, it is versatile and suitable for mechanically demanding operations, such as broaching and tapping stainless steels and yellow alloys, while also offering significant washing power to ensure cleanliness of components and the machine compartment.
LUBROFIP 4012
For processes requiring extended protection against biological degradation, LUBROFIP 4012 provides a cutting-edge, semi-transparent biostatic solution. While formaldehyde-free, its innovative chemistry inhibits the growth of bacteria, fungi, and algae, ensuring long tank life and resulting cost savings. Its strong antioxidant properties make it ideal for grinding and single- and multi-spindle automatic turning.
LUBROFIP 4013
Where internal regulations require the highest standards of health protection, LUBROFIP 4013 is the ideal choice. This cooling lubricant simultaneously eliminates formaldehyde donors, boron, and secondary amines. Designed to protect tools during extremely demanding machining operations on alloy steels, aluminum, and titanium alloys.
LUBROFIP 4015
Water supplies with high mineral content find an engineered solution in LUBROFIP 4015, a semi-synthetic, boron-free formulation specifically optimized for hard water. Its advanced emulsifying agent ensures excellent chemical stability even at hardness levels above 40°F, inhibiting foam formation and preventing the surfacing of inactive soaps.
LUBROFIP 4050
For exclusive abrasive finishing operations, LUBROFIP 4050 offers a grinding microemulsion free of chlorine and formaldehyde donors. The semi-transparent fluid ensures excellent detergency and wettability, essential properties for rapidly breaking down metal fines and preventing grinding wheel vitrification, ensuring precision machining on centered and centerless machines.
