No compromise cutting fluid

Having previously subcontracted its CNC operations in the UK and overseas, TWP brought this work in-house, and in just 12 months brought on seven additional CNC machines. Manufacturing around 30,000 parts a month, TWP needs its CNC machines operating in peak condition and central to this objective is using an appropriate lubricant.

TWP wanted a solution that addressed health & safety requirements while providing greater versatility and efficiency. Previously the business used a conventional semi-synthetic coolant, but found this gave off an undesirable odour, was not kind to the skin or clothing, and due to its oil content, the pH levels had to be continually monitored.

Phil Stanley, director of TWP, already understood health and safety regulations particularly in relation to welding mist, but being relatively new to CNC machining, he turned to Total to see if it could recommend a metalworking solution that would help with this compliance.

Total recommended Folia, which it introduced to the UK market in 2019. Based on renewable raw materials in the form of a biopolymer, and free from mineral oils and solvents, it offers excellent performance and versatility coupled with health, safety and performance benefits.

From a health and safety perspective, Folia emits no odour and has a reduced tendency to mist during operation; with any produced not containing any mineral oil or carcinogenic fumes. This is not only safer for machine operators but has also removed the need for TWP to invest in demisting units, representing a capital expenditure saving of some £25,000.

Folia does not contain any pictograms and is therefore safer for operators to use, reducing the chances of skin irritation. It also delivers ideal working conditions for second operations.

Mr Stanley says: “Using a conventional fluid, you would have to degrease prior to welding or plating, but as there is no residue with Folia, machined parts can go straight to the welding bay because there are no emitted fumes. Folia just evaporates and doesn’t hold the swarf to the job which is a major advantage.”

Being an oil-free solution, Folia reduces the chance of bacteria forming or growing in the sump and system and oil drain intervals have also been significantly extended. “We’re finding that our liquid life is much longer – we’re now 12 months in and we still haven’t had to change the fluid in the tanks. Furthermore, there is no sludge at the bottom of the tanks like you’d get with a conventional lubricant,” Mr Stanley observes.

“Tooling lifespan has increased by up to 25%, delivering a significant cost saving for the business. Folia’s versatility has been another key benefit and means TWP can tap aluminium or stainless steel without having to change the fluid; one liquid is suitable for all applications.”

In conclusion, Mr Stanley comments: “I’m very impressed with Folia’s health and safety benefits. As well as not giving off any odour, it has addressed all my concerns, giving me peace of mind that my business is compliant, and my employees are not at risk.

“In terms of tool life, which we have seen increase by up to 25%, extended drain intervals, versatility and productivity, Folia has been revolutionary for our business. Now that I’ve discovered its benefits, I’ve no intention of returning to conventional lubricants.”

Folia www.total.co.uk/business-products/industrial-lubricants/metalworking/folia