Chemical analysis and characterization of cutting fluids

Cutting fluids directly contribute to lubrication, cooling, chip removal and the protection of machined parts. Their composition may change during use due to top-ups, evaporation, thermal aging, cross-contamination or contact with the materials being machined. These changes can affect surface finish, process stability, tool life and the compliance of critical parts. Filab laboratory supports industrial companies with the characterization of cutting fluids to identify composition deviations, compare a new fluid with a fluid in service or investigate a production change.

Depending on the matrix and the purpose of the study, Filab laboratory can assess parameters such as appearance, color, density, pH, viscosity, water content, residue after evaporation, or fluid stability. These results make it possible to compare successive samples, monitor an operating bath, or document a deviation from a reference sample.

Filab laboratory also supports you with the following services:

• Cutting fluid safety testing according to the PCS-4002 standard
• Safety testing of ingredients for temporary use according to PR-6300
• Analysis and qualification testing of process fluids and products
• Fluid qualification according to DASSAULT DGQT 0.4.2.0065
• Cutting fluid qualification according to AIRBUS AIMS 12-10-000
• Fluid qualification according to AIRBUS AIMS 12-10-001
• Fluid qualification testing according to AIRBUS AIMS 12-10-003
• Fluid qualification testing according to SAFRAN PR 1500 (PR-1500)
• Fluid qualification testing according to Rolls-Royce CSS 129 and CSS 131
• PMUC fluid qualification testing and analysis
• Corrosion testing of cutting fluids on metal alloys
• Compatibility testing between industrial fluids and metallic materials
• Safety testing of chemical products on aerospace alloys
• Assessment of the effect of a fluid on aluminum alloys
• Compatibility of process fluids with titanium alloys
• Lubricant compatibility with nickel-based superalloys
• Aviation fluid qualification according to BOEING BAC 5008

• Physicochemical characterization of industrial lubricants
• Identification and quantification of additives in lubricants
• Screening for contaminants in industrial fluids
• Safety testing according to DMP 12-300 in the laboratory
• Safety testing according to SAFRAN DMP 6300
• Fluid safety testing according to SAFRAN Landing Systems PCS-4001

Filab laboratory selects analytical methods according to the formulation, matrix and compounds being investigated. Available methods may include infrared spectroscopy, chromatography, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis or targeted physicochemical measurements. This strategy makes it possible to examine organic fractions, metallic species, residues and components likely to change during service.

In the event of surface-finish defects, marks on parts, premature tool wear or unusual bath behavior, Filab laboratory structures the study around comparative samples: new fluid, fluid in service, fluid from another machine or an available reference. Information about machining conditions, materials, cleaning operations and products present on site helps guide the analysis plan.

In the aerospace and nuclear sectors, cutting fluid analysis must meet demanding requirements for traceability, contaminant control and understanding interactions with metal alloys. Filab laboratory develops a testing program tailored to your issue: acceptance testing, bath monitoring, formulation comparison, pollution screening or post-defect investigation. This approach is part of a physicochemical characterization of process baths adapted to industrial fluids and production constraints.

The characterization of cutting fluids may also aim to screen for and identify organic compounds, oils, additives, degradation products or metallic elements. The analysis can reveal contamination associated with lubricants, hydraulic oils, cleaning products, wear particles or machined materials. Results are interpreted in light of the available samples and your industrial context.

Combining analytical data facilitates comparison between a compliant fluid, a fluid in use and a sample showing an anomaly. In particular, it helps distinguish a concentration variation, external contamination or a change in formulation. When the issue concerns sensitive facilities, Filab laboratory draws on its experience in analysis for the energy and nuclear sectors to adapt the level of characterization to the project's challenges.

The results are presented in a way that links the differences observed to the hypotheses investigated. This approach helps your quality, process and maintenance teams prioritize potential causes and define appropriate control measures. For issues involving deposits or particles, a complementary materials analysis may be considered depending on the nature of the samples.

Send your cutting fluid samples and the available information about their reference, age, use, machined materials and the anomaly observed. Filab laboratory will support you in defining relevant comparisons, selecting the necessary analysis and organizing the interpretation of the results. For projects related to nuclear environments, also consult our energy and nuclear analysis offering.