You should check your machining fluids on a consistent schedule.  Depending on how much manufacturing you do, would determine how often you change your fluids.  According to OSHA’s website:https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/metalworkingfluids/metalworkingfluids_manual.html https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/metalworkingfluids/metalworkingfluids_manual.html

there are many signs that a fluid has undergone changes and is no longer safe to use.  It can become a hazard in you facility. If one or more of the following changes occur, it should be replaced.

• Low sump level. Check the sump level at the start of the shift. A low sump level (30% below the full mark) shows metalworking fluid loss or water evaporation (increasing the concentration of chemicals present in the MWF). The proper concentration should be verified with a refractometer.
• Abnormal fluid appearance. Does the color of your coolant look normal? If the fluid turns gray or black, then bacteria are often present. If the fluid picks up a yellow or brown tint then tramp oil may be present.
• Foul smell (rancidity). If it smell bad, throw it out!  It usually means that there is uncontrolled micro bacterial growth in your fluid. These organisms can be released into the air and is a health hazard.
• Floating matter on the fluid. If the fluid has floating chips, stringy material or mold growth, this is not normal. Try to remove as much as possible with a skimmer or have it pumped off. Proper and consistent maintenance of the filtration system and oil skimmer are necessary to assure that proper  function of machinery.
• Tramp oil floating on the surface.  If there is too much tramp oil present, skim or pump the surface oil to remove it. These oils are not developed with repeated skin contact in mind, and some components of these machine lubricants are highly irritating to the skin. Tramp oils can be a significant carrier of metallic fines, which can be deposited on the skin and cause mechanical irritation and cause dermatitis.
• Dirty machines or trenches. This could mean that the emulsion is becoming unstable, the cleaners in the fluid have been depleted, the contaminants are being deposited from the fluid, there is filter failure, or there is poor housekeeping.  Premier Poly-Cut™  will actually clean out your machine.
• Other things to consider

1. rust or corrosion of the machine tool or of the part produced;
2. staining of the metal machined or machine tool;
3. tool failure due to the loss of performance additives;
4. growth of fungi that block fluid flow;
5. change of fluid viscosity (thinner or thicker);
6. accumulation of water at the bottom of the oil sump drain, in straight oils;
7. dirt and grit suspended in the fluid; and
8. failure at the workpiece-tool interface (for example, burning of a ground part due to excessive heat build-up).

If you would like to learn how our products can help you solve these issues, contact us at this link Contact.  #ManufacturingMonth #Machining #Collants

Chris Tully-Baugh