A Case Study of Technical and Operator Acceptability Data Comparing a Mineral and a Natural Oil-Based Lubricant in a Metalworking Operation

摘要

Considering the environmental stress metalworking fluids impose on the environment, and the last years progress in the development of performance-competitive bio-lubricants, it was of great interest to investigate the performance of two fundamentally different grinding oils - one traditional mineral oil-based and one natural oil-based alternative. The two oils were each run for one consecutive year in a CBN grinding machine at Scania (Sweden). Results were collected from two different standpoints - technical performance and working environment (H&S).It was observed through surface finish measurements of machined gear shafts is was seen that the Ra-values obtained were lower utilising the natural oil-based product. Based on the observed Ra-values compared to the required, the relative time for machining could be reduced 5 % more with this oil. The consumption of grinding oil was also reduced considerably with the natural oil. Prior skin problems in the form of eczema, generally dry and irritated skin and irritation of the respiratory tract, disappeared when changing over to the natural oil. In addition it was concluded that choice of lubricant base oil had a significant effect on the total oil mist formation. This conclusion was supported by an oil mist measurement and a survey of cleaning and maintenance frequency of the installed electrostatic precipitator. The need for cleaning was reduced by approximately 85 % [1].