Environmentally safe tapping with improved performance

Citation

(2003), "Environmentally safe tapping with improved performance", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 55 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.2003.01855dad.002

Environmentally safe tapping with improved performance

Environmentally safe tapping with improved performance

Keywords: Environment, Pastes, Lubrication

Castrol continues its development of safer engineering products with the introduction of Variocut WCW – a synthetic tapping paste, free from sulphur, chlorine and heavy metals. Castrol Variocut WCW is specially formulated to meet the demands of tapping, drilling and reaming operations that have traditionally required the use of lubricants containing potentially hazardous compounds (Plate 2). A unique polymer technology enables it to combine high performance, low maintenance and cleaner working in a single product that is compatible with ferrous metals, aluminium alloys and difficult- to-machine metals such as stainless steel, titanium and Nickel alloys.

Plate 2 Castrol Variocut in action

However, as a Castrol spokesman points out, performance has not been sacrificed to environmental considerations. Quoting an example, he says that in a recent low-cost tooling application Castrol Variocut WCW achieved a remarkable 300 threads/tap compared to only 10 threads/tap using a conventional product.

Castrol Variocut WCW also minimises the impact of lubrication on both the operator and the environment, whilst enhancing tool life, surface finish and removal rates. It is water washable, so solvents are not required for component cleaning and as there are no sulphurised or chlorinated components, it is free from objectionable or toxic odours. By eliminating staining and chemical corrosion, it enables critical components such as those in the aerospace industry, to be machined safely – significantly reducing rejects and improving productivity.

The polymer's film-forming characteristics ensure maximum component coverage, even under severe stress loads. Excellent cooling and extreme pressure properties minimise thermal distortion and wear and improve dimensional accuracy. Furthermore, additional lubricity and cooling significantly increase tap life and productivity.

For further information contact: Cliff Thrussell, Castrol (UK) Ltd, Wakefield House, Pipers Way, Swindon, SN3 1RE UK. Tel: +44(0)1793 452356; Fax: +44(0)1793 486083; Web site: www.castrol.com; E-mail: thrussc@castrol.com