Cost-effective magnesium specific coolant

Citation

(2006), "Cost-effective magnesium specific coolant", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 78 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2006.12778ead.018

Cost-effective magnesium specific coolant

Cost-effective magnesium specific coolant

Keywords: Aircraft industry, Metalworking industry

Whilst there are many benefits to magnesium its machining can be tricky. Used as an alloying agent for aluminium, nickel, silicon and others it is a material component of many aerospace parts and perfect for die- casting. It has a high strength to weight ratio, machines very well and can be easily identified and recycled. However, according to Master Chemical, the price for these merits is the element's relative instability and flammability. It has been cited as the cause of three significant US factory fires since 2003.

To date the dedicated metalworking fluids for cutting magnesium have not adequately addressed all the issues. Furthermore, they have been very expensive. Industry surveys conducted by Master Chemical is said to confirm the need for a new magnesium machining product but only if it were affordable, safe and versatile. “The product we are currently using doubles as a pallet chain lubricant” explained one respondee. “So anything new must be more than just a magnesium/hard water friendly coolant. It has to be cost- justified”.

The subsequent R&D work undertaken by Master Chemical has resulted in the introduction of TRIM E737 a dedicated, cost competitive coolant that is stated to be according to compatible with virtually all magnesium alloys up to 4,000ppm. It has been formulated to provide exceptionally clean running and maintain tool sharpness for optimal cutting. According to Master Chemical, it is, therefore, ideal for “big chip” machining of wrought and cast magnesium alloys. The bio-stability of this product ensures a long sump life without the need for any additive.

TRIM E737 is said to practically eliminate the hydrogen generation, residue, corrosion and product- splitting problems associated with machining magnesium-based alloys with water-based fluids. Its low hydrogen generation reportedly means substantially lower risk of fire than any other water based fluids or neat cutting oils.

The extreme hard water tolerance of TRIM E737 reduces fluid usage and residues that present cleaning problems on both the machine and parts. Cleaner chips make for easier recycling and greater resale value. The light emulsion reduces carry-off and ensures it swiftly gets to the point of cut. It has also proven to generate 32 per cent less foam than comparable fluids.

As expected from any Master Chemical formulation, TRIM E737 contains no DEA, boron, chlorine, nitrites, formaldehyde donors or phenolic compounds and is fully recyclable.