Metalworking Fluids for Machining, Tool & Die and Manufacturing

Metalworking fluids help reduce friction and heat, protect tools and workpieces, improve surface finish, and support consistent machining and forming operations. The correct fluid depends on the process, metal being worked, operating conditions, and the level of cooling, lubrication, or corrosion protection required.

Keller Heartt carries metalworking products for cutting, machining, grinding, stamping, forming, hydraulic systems, corrosion protection, and machine-tool lubrication, including products from TRUEGARD and Houghton. The sections below can help narrow the type of fluid that best fits your application.

Find the Right Metalworking Fluid for Your Application

Different metalworking operations place very different demands on a lubricant or coolant. Start with the process you are trying to support.

Keller Heartt's current Metalworking Fluids assortment includes cutting fluids, semi-synthetic coolants, soluble oils, hydraulic fluids, vanishing lubricants, rust preventives and machine-tool lubrication products.

Cutting Oils for Machining and Metalworking

Cutting oils are used when lubrication at the cutting interface is especially important. They can help reduce friction between the tool and workpiece, improve surface finish, and protect cutting tools during operations such as turning, drilling, tapping and other machining processes.

The correct cutting oil depends on factors such as:

• Type of machining operation
• Metal being cut
• Tooling
• Cutting speed
• Required surface finish
• Equipment recommendations

Keller Heartt's cutting-oil assortment includes products for both general-purpose and more demanding machining applications, including TRUEGARD and Houghton fluids.

Metalworking Coolants for Machining and Grinding

Metalworking coolants help control heat generated during machining and grinding while also providing lubrication between the workpiece and cutting tool.

Depending on the application, a shop may use a soluble-oil coolant, semi-synthetic fluid, synthetic coolant or another specialized machining fluid.

For example, Keller Heartt currently carries products such as TRUEGARD Semi Synthetic Coolant 266, which is designed for machining and grinding on materials including steel, copper and aluminum, along with Houghton HOCUT machining and grinding fluids.

Soluble Oils for Machining

Soluble oils are concentrates that are mixed with water to create a metalworking fluid that combines cooling from the water with lubrication from the oil and additive package.

They are commonly used for machining operations where both heat removal and lubricity are important.

Keller Heartt's current assortment includes TRUEGARD Soluble Oil 100, described as a general-purpose soluble oil for light- to moderate-duty machining across a range of materials.

Vanishing Oils for Stamping and Forming

Vanishing oils are low-residue lubricants commonly used in metal-forming operations where temporary lubrication is needed during production but heavy residual oil is undesirable afterward.

Typical applications can include:

• Stamping
• Bending
• Cutting
• Folding
• Punching
• Hole flanging
• Light forming operations

Keller Heartt currently carries TRUEGARD 3025 Vanishing-Stamping Lubricant in both drum and pail sizes for metalworking and forming applications.

Rust Preventives for Tools, Dies and Finished Metal Parts

Metal surfaces can begin corroding during storage, between manufacturing processes, during shipping, or after exposure to moisture.

Rust preventive fluids are designed to leave a protective film or barrier that helps limit corrosion during these vulnerable periods.

Keller Heartt's current metalworking assortment includes products such as Houghton Rust Veto 4214, which is designed as a rust preventive and is described for use under wet conditions.

Hydraulic Oils for Machine Shops

Hydraulic oil performs a different job than a machining coolant, but hydraulic systems are integral to many machine tools and manufacturing operations.

The fluid transfers power through the hydraulic system while also helping protect pumps, valves and other components from wear.

Hydraulic oils are available in different viscosity grades, and the correct grade should be based on the equipment manufacturer's requirements and operating conditions.

Machine Tool Slideway Oils

Machine-tool slideway lubricants are designed for slides, tables, feed mechanisms and other moving machine components where controlled friction and strong surface adhesion are important.

Shell Tonna products currently carried by Keller Heartt are specifically designed for machine-tool slides, tables and feed mechanisms. The product line emphasizes tackiness and stick-slip performance to support accurate and consistent machine movement.

Cutting Oil vs. Coolant vs. Soluble Oil: What's the Difference?

These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they describe different types of metalworking fluids.

There is no single metalworking fluid that is best for every operation. Fluid selection should account for the metal being worked, machining process, tooling, temperatures, desired finish and equipment requirements.

Metalworking Fluid Cross-Reference Guide

Keller Heartt's Metalworking Fluid Cross-Reference Guide can help facilities compare commonly used machining fluids from different manufacturers and identify potential TRUEGARD alternatives.

The guide includes products used for:

• Cutting and machining
• Soluble oils
• Semi-synthetic coolants
• Synthetic coolants
• Forming and drawing
• Rust and corrosion protection

A cross-reference should be used as a starting point rather than assuming that two products are automatically interchangeable. Always confirm application requirements, material compatibility and equipment specifications before changing fluids.