As industries turn to equipment with increased pressure and speed, metalworking fluid formulators continue searching for cost-effective solutions to ensure reliable performance in the face of these evolving trends. The formation of lime soap is one of the most notable challenges facing the metalworking industry, requiring manufacturers to find solutions that not only eliminate this issue but also ensure excellent performance and improved efficiency. Syensqo’s additives for metalworking fluids prevent lime soap formation in difficult environments, while also helping manufacturers reduce costs.
Lime Soap Prevention in Metalworking
Metalworking fluids have broad performance requirements to ensure easy cutting of metals, offer a long-lasting surface life and are free of harmful particles that accumulate during processing. For example, water-based metalworking fluids generate lime soap, which damages the metalworking system. These lime soap particles float on the surface of industrial baths and can lead to costly repairs if not addressed.
Implementing deionized water with a lower magnesium content limits the quick generation of lime soap and is a viable method for reducing lime soap formation. However, deionized water is expensive to introduce into an existing manufacturing process. As a more cost-effective solution for lime soap formation, metalworking fluid additives act as effective dispersants and benefit end-users with reliable, cost-competitive metal products.
Metalworking Fluid Additives for Lime Soap Prevention
High-performing metalworking fluid additives make it possible for processing plants to avoid the expensive implementation of a water purification system. Syensqo’s additives for lime soap dispersion are effective in hard or soft water and reduce lime soap to promote longer-lasting metalworking baths and equipment. Specifically, our Geropon® HW 15 is a highly effective lime soap dispersant that is easily introduced into metalworking fluid formulations. This additive for metalworking fluids is designed to dissolve lime soap particles back into the water and promote proper metalworking system functionality. Additionally, Geropon® HW 15 offers formulators low-foam benefits for use in increasingly high-speed and high-pressure equipment
