Leikkausväliaineina

Leikkausväliaineina is a Finnish term that translates to "cutting fluids" or "lubricants" in English. These are liquids or slurries used in machining operations to improve the cutting process. Their primary functions include cooling the cutting tool and workpiece, lubricating the interface between the tool and material, and flushing away chips and debris.

The use of cutting fluids is crucial for various reasons. Cooling helps to prevent the cutting tool from overheating, which can lead to tool wear, reduced accuracy, and even catastrophic tool failure. Lubrication reduces friction between the tool and the workpiece, resulting in smoother cutting, lower power consumption, and a better surface finish on the machined part. Flushing away chips prevents them from accumulating and interfering with the cutting action, which can cause tool breakage or damage to the workpiece.

Cutting fluids can be broadly categorized into several types. Soluble oils are emulsions of oil in water, offering good cooling and moderate lubrication. Semi-synthetic fluids are similar but contain less oil, providing even better cooling. Synthetic fluids are entirely water-based with no mineral oil, offering excellent cooling but less lubricity. Neat oils are straight mineral oils or synthetic esters, providing superior lubrication but poorer cooling. Air or mist lubrication systems also exist, where a fine spray of lubricant is mixed with air.

The selection of an appropriate cutting fluid depends on several factors, including the type of material being machined, the cutting operation being performed, the cutting tool material, and environmental considerations. Proper maintenance of cutting fluids, such as filtration and concentration control, is essential to maintain their performance and prolong their effectiveness.