What do you do with your coolant during long production stops?

The machines may not be running, but you still need to monitor and maintain your metalworking fluid. A production stop, whether it has been triggered by this virus crisis or anything else, may also be a good opportunity to clean your machines and fill them with new coolant.

According to Blaser Swisslube, Chemistry and microbiology continue to affect your water-miscible metalworking fluid even when the machines are not running. The fluid doesn’t circulate anymore and there’s no supply with fresh emulsion.

All this can lead to severe problems such as bad smell, corrosion of machine parts, and splitting of the emulsion. You therefore need to decide whether to maintain your coolant during the production stop or whether it’s a good opportunity to dispose of your old coolant, clean your machines, and get them ready for future production.

Two options exist on dealing with the problem: maintain or dispose.

Water-miscible metalworking fluids cannot be left on their own. They need to be monitored and maintained regularly to ensure the stability of the emulsion. Cutting and grinding oils do not need any specific precautions. However, the production stop may be a good opportunity to clean the machines and change to a new oil.