Metal Working Fluids
Metalworking Fluids (MWF)
Onnovo provides efficient biocide actives, including Triazines (HHT, MEA-Triazine), BIT, MIT, Sodium Pyrithione, and combinations, ensuring fluid stability. We first assess your fluid protection needs to deliver the RIGHT CHEMISTRY.
Understanding Metalworking Fluids & Their Microbial Challenges
Metalworking Fluids (MWF) are essential in machining, grinding, cutting, drilling, and forming operations, helping to cool, lubricate, and protect metal surfaces. However, due to their water content and organic additives, MWFs are highly prone to microbial contamination, leading to fluid degradation, equipment corrosion, and worker health hazards.
Key Microbial Challenges in Metalworking Fluids
- Bacterial & Fungal Contamination – Microorganisms thrive in MWF systems, leading to fluid breakdown, foul odors, and biofilm formation.
- Microbially Influenced Corrosion (MIC) – Certain bacteria produce acidic byproducts that corrode metal parts, pipes, and MWF storage tanks.
- Emulsifier Breakdown & Phase Separation – Microbial activity degrades surfactants and emulsifiers, causing fluid instability and reduced lubrication performance.
- Health & Safety Risks for Workers – Bacterial endotoxins and fungal spores in contaminated MWFs can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory issues.
- Shortened MWF Life & Increased Costs – Without proper antimicrobial protection, MWFs degrade quickly, leading to frequent fluid changes and higher maintenance expenses.
Types of Metalworking Fluids & Their Preservation Needs
Different MWF formulations require tailored antimicrobial strategies to prevent microbial contamination while maintaining optimal lubrication, cooling, and surface protection.
| MWF Type | Common Applications | Microbial Risks & Required Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Soluble & Semi-Synthetic Fluids | High-speed machining, grinding, cutting | High water content increases risk of bacterial & fungal contamination |
| Synthetic Fluids | Precision grinding, CNC machining, aerospace components | Prone to biofilm buildup, emulsifier degradation |
| Straight & Neat Oils | Heavy-duty cutting, drilling, stamping, forming | Lower microbial risk but requires oxidation and degradation protection |
| High-Pressure Coolants | Deep drilling, threading, heavy-load machining | Microbial contamination leads to viscosity loss, system fouling |
Risks of Microbial Contamination in Metalworking Fluids
Without effective microbial control, manufacturers and machining operations face significant risks:
- Fluid Degradation & Frequent Replacement – Contaminated fluids break down quickly, requiring frequent disposal and costly replacements.
- Equipment Corrosion & Downtime – MIC leads to rust formation, reduced tool life, and system failures, causing unplanned maintenance and production delays.
- Health Hazards for Machine Operators – Exposure to bacteria, mold, and microbial toxins in contaminated fluids can cause dermatitis, respiratory infections, and allergic reactions.
- Reduced Lubrication & Cooling Efficiency – Microbial-induced emulsifier breakdown results in poor heat dissipation, friction damage, and tool wear.
- Regulatory Non-Compliance – Many industries require clean, microbially stable MWFs to meet OSHA, REACH, and EPA standards for workplace safety and environmental protection.
Microbial Challenges in Different Machining Environments
Metalworking fluids are used in various industrial settings, each with unique microbial risks.
Automotive & Heavy Machinery Manufacturing
Primary Risks:
- Large-scale machining systems are constantly exposed to heat, moisture, and contaminants, accelerating microbial growth.
- MIC can lead to corrosion in coolant pipelines and storage tanks.
Onnovo’s Solution:
- High-performance biocides for long-term microbial stability.
- Corrosion inhibitors to prevent metal surface degradation.
Aerospace & Precision Engineering
Primary Risks:
- Synthetic MWFs used in high-precision grinding operations are vulnerable to biofilm formation and bacterial breakdown.
- Any fluid degradation can impact dimensional accuracy and surface finish.
Onnovo’s Solution:
- Biofilm-resistant antimicrobial additives to ensure fluid purity.
- Antioxidants & stability enhancers for extended fluid life.
General Manufacturing & CNC Machining
Primary Risks:
- Multi-machine workshops have recycled MWFs, increasing contamination risks.
- MWF spoilage leads to bad odors, clogged filters, and operational inefficiencies.
Onnovo’s Solution:
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatments to prevent fluid degradation.
- Odor-control additives to maintain workshop hygiene.
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Onnovo’s Services & Support for Metalworking Fluid Manufacturers
Onnovo provides cutting-edge antimicrobial solutions for MWF manufacturers and machining operations, ensuring long-lasting fluid stability, worker safety, and regulatory compliance.
We help MWF manufacturers navigate global biocide regulations, including:
- EPA (US) – Biocide approvals for industrial lubricants & coolants
- BPR (EU) – Antimicrobial requirements for water-based MWFs
- OSHA (US) – Workplace safety standards for MWF exposure
- REACH (EU) – Chemical safety compliance for lubricants
- ANVISA (Brazil) & Asian industrial safety regulations
Onnovo works with MWF manufacturers to develop:
- Preservative blends that maintain microbial stability without affecting fluid chemistry.
- Corrosion inhibitors & lubricity enhancers to improve MWF performance.
- Multi-functional additives for emulsion stability and oxidation resistance.
Our state-of-the-art testing facilities ensure:
- Efficacy of antimicrobial additives in high-load machining environments.
- Resistance against bacterial, fungal, and biofilm contamination.
- Long-term MWF stability under extreme operating conditions.
Onnovo supports sustainable MWF development, providing:
- Low-toxicity, biodegradable biocide formulations.
- Reduced environmental impact while maintaining fluid performance.
Our R&D experts assist with:
- Troubleshooting microbial contamination issues in existing MWFs.
- Developing next-generation antimicrobial solutions for evolving industry needs.
- Formulation optimization to balance performance, safety, and compliance.
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