Life-Cycle Planning of Cutting Fluids—A Review

Abstract

With the recent emergence of environmental management standards and regulations for metalworking industries, effective management of cutting fluids in machining facilities has become an issue of increased significance. This paper reviews the basic components, performance and health effects, and post-processing options for nonwater-miscible and water-mixed cutting fluids currently practiced. The basic components of non-water-miscible and water-mixed fluids are introduced. Time-based degradation mechanisms for cutting fluid performance including liquid contamination, solid contamination, acidity/alkalinity, corrosion resistance, emulsion stability and bacteriological effects are examined. These degradation mechanisms are related to possible human health effects. Recycling effectiveness for different techniques such as sedimentation, magnetic separation, skimming, barrier filtration and centrifugation are also examined. Disposal pre-treatment options for cutting fluids are discussed. Finally, three case examples of cutting fluid management at a research facility, automotive supplier and grinding shop are presented.