A large amount of metalworking fluids or lubricants and coolants are being used in metalworking industry on a regular basis. Lubricants or coolants used in the industry are designed to perform specific tasks. The processes of polishing, grinding, cutting, and embossing, etc need lubricants to ease the tasks. Without using lubricants or coolants these tasks can be very tedious. By using lubricants like coolants, grinding fluids, etc one can perform these tasks easily.

There are several reasons to use metalworking fluids or lubricants. During the process of cutting or grinding, the use of metalworking fluids increase lubrication, reduce heat generation, improve the overall finish of metal surface and eliminate loose metal chips from the cutting area. During the process of grinding, lubricants are also used to lubricate the metal surface, reduce heat generation and prevent certain material from sticking to surfaces. These lubricants also reduce corrosion and rust. Such types of lubricants which are used in the process of cutting, polishing, and grinding of metals are also known as coolants or heat transfer fluids. Coolants or metalworking fluids also help to reduce friction, wear and tear. They increase the life of tools and moving metal parts. They reduce time taken on maintenance.

There are three types of metalworking industrial lubricants ? , , and solid lubricants. Properties of each metalworking lubricants are different and they can be used effectively in different industrial applications. Grease has higher initial viscosity than oil. They are generally applied where heavy pressures exit. They are used in axels, bearing, etc. Fluids are used in the process of cutting, grinding, or polishing of metals. Solid lubricants are boron nitride and graphite. They keep out moisture and reduce friction, heat, wear and tear.

Apart from metalworking lubricants, one another and big application of industrial lubricants are motor oil or engine oil. The main function of engine oils is to lubricate moving parts of the vehicles. They reduce friction and wear & tear and provide smooth & trouble performance and help to increase the life of moving parts or components. Gear oils are also type of motor oils. They are generally used in gears or gear boxes. Some of the biggest users of industrial lubricants are transportation, aerospace, marine and automotive industries. Industrial lubricants used in industries vary widely in their properties, chemical composition, and applications. They may contain varied ingredients as petroleum oil, natural oils, water, synthetic oils, etc.