HYDRAULIC FLUIDS, CUTTING OILS, QUENCHING ... - K-Patents

METALS AND MINING
APPLICATION NOTE 7.01.01_REV1
METALWORKING AND MACHINING 2 (2)
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Figure 1: Quenching Process:
Figure 2: Induction Hardening Process:
Application
The K-Patents Process Refractometer applications
can be divided into four areas:
1. Quenching / Tempering Process
The physical property of the metal is changed
through quenching. The metal is heat-treated and
then cooled rapidly (quenched) with a fluid in order
to increase the surface hardness (Figure 1). The
metal can also be heat-treated through magnetic
induction heating (Figure 2).
The concentration of the fluid is one important
parameter, which affects the final quality. Fluids are
also used in the casting process. When the
concentration levels are correct, the surface
properties of the finished parts are within the
specifications. Typical liquids used in induction
hardening are PAGs (Poly alkylene glycols).
2. Cooling / Cutting
During machining metal has to be cooled and
lubricated. Coolants are often supplied through a
centralized system but also by local systems at the
point of use. The K-Patents refractometers are
used in both the feed and recycling lines serving
machine tools.
3. Washing
The primary goal of washing is to clean the
machine parts thoroughly of residual oil and dirt.
The washing fluid is sprayed onto the parts at high
pressure. The fluid forms a film that protects the
parts from corrosion during storage.
The K-Patents refractometer detects the correct
concentration to ensure that the excess grease and
oil have been completely removed by the washing
process.