Lubrication
See also: Cutting fluidLubricants are sometimes used to cool the workpiece and wheel, lubricate the interface, and remove swarf (chips). It must be applied directly to the cutting area to ensure that the fluid is not carried away by the grinding wheel. Common lubricants include water-soluble chemical fluids, water soluble oils, synthetic oils, and petroleum-based oils. The type of lubrication used depends on the workpiece material and is outlined in the table below.
| Workpiece material | Lubricant |
|---|---|
| Aluminium | Light duty oil |
| Brass | Light duty oil |
| Cast iron | Heavy duty emulsifiable oil, light duty chemical and synthetic oil |
| Mild steel | Heavy duty water-soluble oil |
| Stainless steel | Heavy duty emulsifiable oil, heavy duty chemical and synthetic oil |
| Plastics | Water-soluble oil, dry, heavy duty emulsifiable oil, light duty chemical and synthetic oil |
Read more about this topic: Surface Grinding