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As summer heats up, maintaining the correct concentration of metalworking fluids (MWF) becomes crucial. Here's why frequent adjustments are essential:
Increased Evaporation Rates: Higher temperatures accelerate evaporation in machine tool sumps, leading to higher coolant concentrations than cooler months. This can result in sticky residues, increased mist levels, and higher fluid consumption, posing significant operational challenges.
Operational Challenges: High coolant concentrations can result in several issues:
- Sticky Residues: Can accumulate on machine surfaces, affecting performance and maintenance.
- Increased Mist Levels: Elevated mist can pose health risks to workers and create a less safe working environment.
- Higher Fluid Usage: More frequent top-ups are required, increasing operational costs.
Quick Tip:
Regularly monitoring of the machine concentration and adjustment of the coolant concentration at source. Reducing the coolant mixer's concentration will help bring levels back in line, ensuring optimal performance and a safer work environment. Stay cool and keep your machines running smoothly this summer!

Combating Corrosion in High Humidity
High humidity during summer months can significantly accelerate the corrosion of metal parts and machine tools. Here’s why:
- Increased Moisture: High humidity results in more moisture in the air, leading to a thin film of water on metal surfaces. This moisture speeds up the electrochemical reactions that cause rust and corrosion.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Hot summer days and cooler nights can cause condensation on metal surfaces. This repeated wet-dry cycle exacerbates corrosion, especially on unprotected parts.
- Salt and Contaminants: In coastal areas, the combination of high humidity and salt in the air is particularly corrosive. Contaminants in the environment can also accelerate rusting when combined with moisture.
Tips to Combat Corrosion:
- Use Anti-Corrosion Coatings: Apply protective coatings to create a barrier against moisture. These coatings can significantly extend the life of your metal parts.
- Coolant Concentration Control: Ensure proper control of coolant concentrations to maintain their protective properties against corrosion.
- Proper Ventilation: Keep machine tool doors open (when idle) to allow adequate airflow, which helps reduce corrosion on spindles and tool holders by minimizing condensation. Install local exhaust ventilation systems. Chem Arrow Europe offer a wide range of products and services to protect people from exposure to airborne oil and coolant mist particles.
- Regular Maintenance: Clean and inspect metal parts regularly to catch early signs of corrosion. Early detection allows for timely intervention, preventing extensive damage.
- Humidity Control: Store products in climate-controlled areas.
- Correct Storage: Store metal parts in dry, ventilated areas away from sources of moisture. Ensure that parts are kept off the ground and covered when possible to avoid exposure to humidity.
Managing Microbial Growth in Metalworking Fluids
Warm and humid summer conditions create the perfect breeding ground for microbial growth in metalworking fluids. This can lead to short sump life, foul odours, corrosion, and reduced tool life therefore impacting productivity and quality. Here's how to keep your fluids in top shape:

Tips to Manage Microbial Growth:
- Regular Monitoring: Test your metalworking fluids for pH levels, concentration, and microbial presence. Early detection is key to preventing larger issues.
- Maintain Proper Concentration: Ensure your fluids are at the right concentration levels. Too low, and they lose their protective properties; too high, and you waste resources and create an environment conducive to microbial growth.
- Good Housekeeping: Keep your equipment and work area clean. Remove swarf and debris regularly to prevent microbial hotspots from contaminating your fluids.
- Effective Filtration: Use proper filtration systems to remove contaminants and particles that can harbour microbes. Regularly replace filters to maintain their effectiveness.
- Annual Machine Cleaning: Schedule a yearly machine cleaning using Chem Arrow’s ArrowClean 25020 and follow the recommended procedure to ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection.
By staying proactive, you can enjoy a smooth and productive summer without the headaches caused by microbial growth. Keep your metalworking fluids fresh and your tools performing at their best!
Contact Chem Arrow or one of our distributors to evaluate your current situation and provide technical support to resolve these issues effectively.