Metalworking is an intricate process that involves various techniques, such as cutting, shaping, and molding metal into desired forms. One aspect that people often underestimate but is essential for the efficient execution of these tasks is lubrication. Failing to pay attention to lubrication can have negative consequences, both for the lifespan of your tools and the quality of your final products. Read on and discover the importance of lubrication in metalworking.
Reducing Friction
Lubrication plays a fundamental role in reducing the friction between metal surfaces and cutting tools. Without lubrication, the two surfaces in contact can generate excessive heat, leading to wear and tear. This not only reduces the lifespan of the tools but also affects the quality of the metal products, leading to costly repairs and wasted resources.
Enhancing Product Quality
Lubrication doesn't just help the tools; it also directly impacts the quality of the metal product. When lubrication is appropriately applied, it ensures smooth cutting and shaping processes. The result is a final product with better dimensional accuracy and surface finish, contributing to overall product quality and satisfying industry standards.
Extending Tool Life
Metalworking tools are expensive. However, effective lubrication can prolong their operational life. By minimizing friction and subsequent heat, lubricants can reduce the rate at which tools degrade. As a result, your investment in high-quality tools becomes more worthwhile, and you're not continuously spending on replacements.
Environmental Considerations
There’s also an environmental angle to lubrication. With advances in technology, eco-friendly lubricants have entered the market, designed to be biodegradable and non-toxic. These lubricants offer a sustainable alternative without compromising performance, allowing manufacturers to be responsible and efficient.
TCI Precision Metals is in full machining production mode virtually every day, producing ready-to-ship metal blanks. In order to produce these close tolerances pre-machined materials efficiently, we often mill multiple blanks at the same time optimized machines. The process has the potential to generate excessive friction and heat. To mitigate this, TCI utilizes a shop-wide lubrication/cooling reservoir that distributes, retrieves, and recycles the solution for every machine in use.
Now that you know the importance of lubrication in metalworking, it's clear that this element is far from trivial. TCI Precision Metals is well aware of the critical nature of lubrication.
Lubrication serves multiple purposes and is sure to be an essential aspect of metalworking even as the industry goes through changes and evolutions. Keep your tools in good condition and provide the best products possible. Keep lubricating!