Cleaning of the coolant system
Regular cleaning of the cutting fluid system is a key part of machine shop maintenance and managing the lifespan of cutting fluids. A clean system ensures the cutting fluid maintains its properties—it won’t start to smell, become contaminated, or lose its lubricating ability. Cleaning helps prevent bacterial growth, corrosion, and foaming problems, ensuring that new or recycled cutting fluids remain stable and high performing throughout their usage period.
When to Clean
It is recommended to clean the system at regular intervals and always before longer shutdowns, such as summer holidays, maintenance breaks, or production pauses. When machine tools are idle for several days or weeks, standing fluid provides ideal conditions for the growth of microbes, algae, and fungi. This can degrade the fluid’s quality in just a few days if there are impurities or residues left from previous use in the system.
How to Clean
1. Removing Fluid and Mechanical Cleaning
Begin cleaning by pumping the cutting fluid out of the reservoir and removing any chips, sludge, and other debris from the bottom. This step prevents the buildup of solids that could later clog filters, cause unpleasant odors, or hinder fluid circulation.
2. Cleaning the Components
Carefully clean the conveyor, reservoir, and machine interiors, either mechanically or with a pressure washer. It is important to remove old layers of oil and grime, as they may harbor microbial growths that can become active again when new fluid is added to the system.
3. Filtering and Returning the Fluid
Once the machine components are clean, filter the cutting fluid before returning it to the system. Filtering removes fine metal particles and contaminants from the fluid that would otherwise shorten its lifespan.
Often, a small amount of new cutting fluid is added at this stage to replace what was lost and restore the correct concentration. This helps keep the fluid balanced and ready for use without compromising its properties.
Benefits of Cleaning
A properly performed system cleaning:
- Extends the life of the cutting fluid
- Prevents microbial growth and unpleasant odors
- Keeps tools and machine surfaces clean and corrosion-free
- Reduces clogging of filters and pumps
- Improves machining quality and consistency
Regular and thorough cleaning is one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to ensure consistent machining quality, reliable production, and a long lifespan for your cutting fluid system.
