Best References: Metal Machining (Coolants)

Metal working processes produce heat and friction, which can damage process tools as well as the product. Coolants reduce friction, transfer heat, and remove metal particles from the metal removal operation. This core sector provides information on fluid handling, maintenance, and disposal practices to reduce machine coolant costs in metal cutting and grinding operations. Guidance on coolant selection and management for extending coolant life is also discussed.
Date Last Updated: 6/12/2008

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Case Studies |

Full Title: Coolant Management at Beloit Corporation
URL: /01/00642.pdf
Length: 2 pages
Date: 1992
Full Work Author: MA Office of Technical Assistance
Abstract: Case study of a heavy machinery manufacturer that saved $88,000 and decreased waste disposal by improving its machining coolants. Based on a 75-day, 5-vendor trial, Beloit selected a coolant that extended the tool life and machine feed rate of its milling and cutting operations by more than double. However the new coolant had poor results in the grinding area. Surface quality has improved and dermatitis was eliminated.

Full Title: NICE3: On-Site Aluminum Recycling for Wheel Manufacturers
URL: /03/02730.htm
Length: 3 pages
Date: September 1994
Full Work Author: National Industrial Competitiveness through Energy Environment Economics - National Renewable Energy Laboratory - US Department of Energy
Abstract: Automotive cast aluminium wheel maker recycles chips from its machining operation on-site. Chips were formerly transported off-site for processing into aluminium ingots.

Full Title: Recovery and Reuse of Coolants by a Manufacturer of Metal Fasteners & Washers - Case Study
URL: /01/00619.pdf
Length: 2 pages
Date: September 1993
Abstract: Fabco Fastening Systems treats three wastestreams. The first contains lubricating oils, the second contains coolants from dies, and the third consists of water generated by the cleaning of water-based painting operations. The lubricating oils were stored and treated with a mobile unit twice a year. The cooling oil systems had filters and oil skimmers installed for each machine and a conditioner added to control bacteria growth and pH. An evaporator was installed on the wastewater stream. The payback period was 1.5 years, with savings of $21,587 per year.

Full Title: Toxics Use Reduction Case Study - Quench Oil Recycling at Hyde Manufacturing Corporation
URL: /16/15147.htm
Full Work Author: Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
Abstract: Hyde Tools, a division of Hyde Manufacturing Corp., installed a filtration system to recycle the quench oils used in its heat treating process. This system reduced the firm's water consumption, cut back on testing and permitting costs, and eliminated the need for out-of-house reclamation of quench oils. The project cost $25,805 to implement, and it yielded a favorable net present value in excess of $15,000 over its ten-year economic lifetime.

Fact Sheets |

Full Title: Cutting Fluid Management
URL: /34/33025.pdf
Length: 5 pages
Date: 8/05/04
Full Work Author: NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance
Abstract: This fact sheet discusses the four components of a successful cutting fluid management programs: product selection, inventory management and chemical handling, fluid monitoring, and contamination removal and prevention.

Full Title: Developing a Coolant Maintenance Program for Machining Operations
URL: /01/00543.pdf
Length: 4 pages
Date: December 1996
Full Work Author: MN Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP)
Abstract: This fact sheet discusses how to start a maintenance program for machining coolants. A good fact sheet for concise advice on what to monitor. Also discusses removal equipment for the four main categories of contaminants.

Full Title: Extending the Life of Metal Working Fluids - Fact Sheet
URL: /01/00072.htm
Length: 4 pages
Date: March 1993
Full Work Author: OH Environmental Protection Agency, Pollution Prevention Section
Abstract: This fact sheet discusses coolant selections and management for extending coolant life. Good housekeeping practices, microbial control,swarf and tramp oil removal are the keys to reducing bacteria growth. Water requirements are also discussed in reference to mineral deposits and coolant life.

Full Title: Iowa Tax Credit for Soy Oil
URL: /41/40817.pdf
Length: 4 pages
Date: 1/07
Full Work Author: Iowa Waste Reduction Center
Section Author: Iowa Waste Reduction Center
Abstract: This fact sheet gives information to complete the Iowa Tax Credit for Soy Oil.

Full Title: Mass Reduction Techniques and Technologies for Source Reduction - The Cool Facts On Recycling Metalworking Coolants
URL: /23/22323.pdf
Length: 3 pages
Full Work Author: MA Department of Environmental Management
Abstract: Source reduction and recycling in relation to coolants in the metalworking industry are discussed. A case study concerning the use of a sump cleaner is presented. A list of vendors specializing in metalworking coolant technologies is included.

Full Title: Prolonging Machine Coolant Life
URL: /01/00540.pdf
Length: 3 pages
Date: June 1991
Full Work Author: MN Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP)
Abstract: This fact sheet presents some common problems with machine coolants and tips for correcting these problems.

Full Title: Source Reduction Opportunities For Small Machine Shops
URL: /36/35490.pdf
Length: 2 pages
Date: 5/94
Full Work Author: Pennsylvania Source Reduction Program
Abstract: Metalworking fluids are applied to the workpiece and tool to make the cutting process easier and provide a good fi

Full Title: Soy-based lubricants-A machinists dream.
URL: /41/40847.pdf
Length: 2 pages
Full Work Author: Sue Schauls
Abstract: This paper discusses the comparison of soy-bases waterbased and hydrocarbon lubricants.

Full Title: Ten Ways to Reduce Machine Coolant Costs
URL: /03/02945.pdf
Length: 16 pages
Date: March 1994
Full Work Author: MI Office of Waste Reduction Services
Abstract: This well-written fact sheet describes fluid handling, maintenance and disposal practices to reduce machine coolant costs in metal cutting and grinding operations. Nine generic types of coolant reclamaition equipment are profiled. Useful information on the effect of pH and overuse of bactericides.

Section Title: Industry Profile: Waste Reduction in Screw Machine Operations
Full Title: Waste Reduction Assessment - Precision Screw Machine Operations
URL: /03/02946.pdf
Length: 4 pages
Date: 1991
Full Work Author: Center for Industrial Services, University of Tennessee
Abstract: This factsheet, intended for assistance providers unfamiliar with the indusry, describes typical wastestreams and waste reduction opportunities from screw machine operations. Screw machines are commonly used in manufacturing tube fittings, small valves, and special fasteners. These plants often include plating and degreasing, which are also touched on here.

Articles and Reports |

Full Title: Environmental Research Brief - Waste Minimization Assessment for a Manufacturer of Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Equipment
URL: /01/00602.pdf
Length: 4 pages
Date: July 1991
Full Work Author: Kirsch, F. William; Looby, Gwen P.
Abstract: Case study of a heating equipment manufacturer where many pollution prevention projects available to many fabricated metal manufacturers were successfully implemented. Economics discussed. Minimization options/techniques.

Manuals |

Full Title: Metal Machining Sector - A Pollution Prevention Assessment and Guidance
URL: /05/04272.pdf
Length: 51 pages
Date: June 1999
Full Work Author: Washington State Department of Ecology, Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program
Abstract: This report is the result of a technical assistance study of the metal machining industry sector, conducted by the Washington State Department of Ecology's Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program in 1999. It is intended to provide technical and regulatory information to the industry sector as a whole, based on research and site visits to 12 metal machining facilities. The scope of the project includes: research of the environmental and regulatory issues in this industry sector; site visits at a cross-section of metal machining facilities; evaluation of current industry pollution prevention (P2) practices to identify technical assistance needs; and highlights of the most significant P2 opportunities and resources needed for future P2 actions.

Full Title: Pollution Prevention Guide to Using Metal Removal Fluids in Machining Operations
URL: /06/05828.pdf
Length: 119 pages
Full Work Author: Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Sciences and the Waste Reduction and Technology Transfer Foundation
Abstract: An excellent hands-on, how-to style document written by those working with metal removal fluids for those working with metal removal fluids. The article was written to provide information to solve metal removal fluid problems and extend the life of metal working fluids. Includes sections on fluid selection, environmental health and safety issues, chemical and material compatibility testing, and machinability testing.

Full Title: Shop Guide to Reduce the Waste of Metalworking Fluids - A Competitive Advantage Manual for the Metal Fabricating and Machining Industry
URL: /02/01085.pdf
Length: 40 pages
Date: 1995
Full Work Author: Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Sciences - Waste Reduction and Technology Transfer Foundation
Abstract: This manual provides practical methods of reducing coolant and lubricant wastes from machining operations such as drilling, threading, stamping, etc. The primary focus here is the selection and maintenance of metalworking fluids. Reducing the waste of machining fluid is the subject of a second manual.

Full Title: Shop Guide to Reduce Wastewater from the Machining and Metal Fabrication Industry - A Competitive Advantage Manual
URL: /03/02293.pdf
Length: 50 pages
Date: April 1996
Full Work Author: Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Sciences and Waste Reduction Technology Transfer Foundation
Abstract: This manual covers a broad range of wastewater discharge topics in metalworking. Main topic areas include: aqueous-based cleaners, cooling water, rinse operations, plant clean-up, conservation of water techniques, deburring and mass finishing, cutting and blasting operations, air pollution control equipment, a wastewater treatment buyer's guide, and zero discharge. An excellent source of useful pointers.

Sector Notebook |

Full Title: US EPA Office of Compliance Sector Notebook Project - Profile of the Fabricated Metal Products Industry
URL: /01/00380.pdf
Length: 149 pages
Date: September 1995
Full Work Author: US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Enforcement and Assurance
Abstract: This report profiles the fabricated metals industry, with descriptions of industrial processes and EPA Toxic Release Inventory data. It also discusses pollution prevention opportunities, federal regulations, and compliance and enforcement initiatives.

Web sites |

Full Title: Management of the Metal Removal Fluid Environment
URL: http://www.aware-services.com/entry.htm
Full Work Author: Organization Resources Counselors, Inc.
Abstract: This electronic manual is the one of the most comprehensive publications on management of metal working fluids (MWFs). It was developed and maintained by a group of MWF manufactures and users. The information is divided into 6 areas as follows: · Managing metal removal fluids, · Facilities and equipment, · Health issues, responsibilities of employers and employees, management plans, and checklists. Please note that you must register for this site, but at no charge.

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Content provided by N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance and Waste Reduction Resource Center through a grant from the EPA.