Selection Guide for Cutting Oils and Lubricants
What is cutting oil? Cutting oil is used to dissipate heat in metal (or other materials) generated during the machining process, as well as to reduce friction. The lubricant is applied manually by smearing it onto the tool or the surface to be machined. Cutting oil is applied during drilling, tapping, countersinking and reaming. Alternatives for cutting oil include cutting foam, cutting paste, cutting wax, atomisation-based cutting fluid or coolant concentrate.
Which cutting oil to choose
There are specific cutting oils for universal, non-ferrous and stainless-steel machining. As well as being available in a bottle, cutting oil also comes in a spray canister. Spray is often used for quick and easy lubrication during operations. Cutting oil is user-friendly and easy to dispense.
All cutting oils listed in the table are chlorine-free and silicone-free.
Summary of cutting oils:
Material | Strength | Base | Product of choice |
| Steel | medium | vegetable | Universal cutting oil |
| Steel | medium | vegetable | Universal cutting oil spray |
| High-alloy steel, cast iron | heavy-duty | mineral oil | Universal cutting oil |
| Aluminium, copper, brass | medium | mineral oil | Non-ferrous cutting oil |
| Stainless steel, titanium, exotic materials | heavy-duty, high performance | mineral oil | Heavy-duty cutting oil |
Alongside cutting oils in a bottle and spray, other lubricants are also available.
Cutting-oil foam
- suitable for manual, vertical and overhead lubrication
- for use on tools and on the product
- adheres to tools, does not run and has good cooling-lubricating effect
- for high-alloy steel, stainless steel, titanium and exotic materials
- for heavy-duty machining, high performance, mineral oil-based, chlorine-free and sulphur-free
- for use in drilling, tapping, countersinking and reaming
Cutting paste
- suitable for manual and vertical lubrication
- paste sticks to tools, liquefies during machining
- for high-alloy steel, stainless steel, titanium and exotic materials
- for heavy-duty machining, high performance, chlorine-free and silicone-free
- for used in drilling, tapping, countersinking, reaming and broaching
Cutting wax
- manual lubrication, ideal for use on saw blades
- for steel, cast iron, aluminium, copper, brass
- for medium to heavy-duty machining, mineral oil-based
- for use in drilling, tapping, countersinking, reaming and sawing
Micro-dosing fluid
- atomising effect thanks to micro-dosing pump, suitable for hard-to-reach areas
- oil is applied onto or into the actual workpiece
- for steel, high-alloy steel, stainless steel and aluminium
- for medium to heavy-duty machining, sustainable, plant-based
- for use in drilling, tapping, milling, sawing and band sawing
Cutting and cooling fluid
- machine lubrication, for machines with cooling system, protects workpiece against corrosion
- universal
- for medium-duty machining, chlorine-free, free from secondary amines and nitrites
- for use in drilling, tapping, milling, countersinking, reaming, sawing and turning
View the complete range of cutting oils and lubricants here.