About Our Coolant With Lubrication Properties

KLEERKUT® 4960-LT is a bio-resistant semi-synthetic coolant capable of performing a wide variety of machining, grinding and stamping operations on both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. It has an enhanced lubrication package that makes it particularly effective on aluminum and oxygen-free copper.

It is extremely low-foaming, hence it is compatible with high-speed machining centers with higher coolant flow rates. It is free of substances subject to the reporting requirements of SARA Title III. It provides superior rust protection when used in sumps which typically encounter large amounts of contaminants. It is ideal for use in central systems because it has excellent emulsion stability and is easy to clean using filtration or centrifuge. KLEERKUT® 4960-LT is a long-lasting product which saves money, time and labor during the production process.

The Customer's Request

A customer was looking for a high-performance coolant and had been evaluating the use of a water dilution of Kleerkut 4960-LT as a replacement for a straight oil lubricant manufactured by a competitor. The competitor product is described as a water-insoluble, synthetic isoparafinic hydrocarbon with additives. A sample was submitted to the HMC Lab for evaluation of its lubricating properties as compared to those provided by Kleerkut 4960-LT in a 5% (v/v) water dilution.

How The Test Was Run

Lubrication properties were evaluated using the ASTM D-2670 procedure. This test evaluates wear properties using the Falex pin and v-block test apparatus. A summary of the method is described as running a rotating steel journal against two stationary v-blocks immersed in the lubricant sample. Load is applied to the v-blocks and maintained by a ratchet mechanism. Wear is determined by the number of teeth the ratchet mechanism advances to maintain constant load during the test time.

After an initial 250-pound break-in load for 5 minutes, the load is increased via the ratchet mechanism to 700 pounds for the 15-minute test duration. The weight of the pin and v-block set is measured before and after the test to determine weight loss from wear. In addition, microscope images of the wear scars are evaluated under 40X magnification.

Kleerkut® 4960-LT was tested at 5% (v/v) concentration in water. During the 15-minute test duration at 700 pounds load, only 5 total teeth were required to maintain load. Pin and v-block weight loss was 28.7 mg and visually the set was smooth with no unusual wear.

The Competitor Product Failed To Perform

The competitor sample was tested as received without dilution; however, this product was not able to complete the test procedure. After the 250-pound break-in load, we were not able to advance the test load to greater than 350-400 pounds before seizure failure occurred. While pin and v-block weight loss is not relevant when failure occurs, the set experienced 0.57 grams loss with significant wear and scaring.

Conclusion

Kleerkut® 4960-LT at 5% (v/v) dilution in water provided a significant improvement in the lubrication properties over the competitor product as received. The Competitor product was not able to complete the lubrication test procedure before failure occurred.

These lubrication testing results indicate that Kleerkut 4960-LT would have improved tool life over the competitor product. Both the improved tool life and reduced lubricant volume can result in significant cost savings for the customer.

If you would like to improve your processes through the use of better lubricating coolants, contact us. Our team of experts will be happy to help you find the best product for your specific application.