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The Effects of Mineral Oil on Metals

Mineral oil is a refined petroleum oil. Metals are susceptible to mineral oil, so it is used in the manufacturing of metalworking fluids. Metalworking fluids are applied in various metalworking processes such as cutting, milling, boring, drilling, threading, sawing, abrading, grinding, polishing, turning, and lapping. Mineral oil plays an important role in several metal forming processes such as rolling, forging, drawing, extrusion, deep drawing, and stamping.

  1. Lubrication

    • Metalworking fluids made from mineral oil have excellent lubrication and cooling properties, which provide many benefits to the metalworking operations. There are three types of lubrication. First, when the oil forms a thin layer over the lubricating components, it is called "physical lubrication." Second, when a specific component such as an aluminum casting attaches itself to the workpiece, it is called "boundary lubrication." Third, when a component in the metalworking fluid reacts with the workpiece, resulting in an improved tool life, it is called "chemical lubricant." Mineral oil offers an improved lubrication for machinery. By lubricating the tool and the workpiece, tool galling is avoided, which results in a better surface finish. The lubricating effect of the oil helps in reducing friction between the workpiece and the tool by decreasing the amount of heat generated in the contact zone.

    Cooling

    • The cooling property of mineral oil helps in keeping control the temperature of the machines made of metal; this results in a longer tool life. In the conditions of elevated temperatures, the hardness of the metal drops, so its wear rate increases. Mineral oil prevents the temperature of the metal from reaching the critical value. Because of the cooling properties of mineral oil, the wear and tear on the metals is less.

    Lower Energy Consumption

    • The lubricating effect of the oil results in reduced friction, which ensures that there is decreased cutting or abrading. Thus, the energy consumption is less. Mineral oil also helps in removing the chips which are formed during the abrading operations, thus ensuring that the cutting zone is always clean. In addition, mineral oil helps protect against corrosion by forming an outer film on the work piece surface and the machine parts.

    Effects on Alkali Metals

    • Mineral oils find another important application in alkali metals. Alkali metals have a tendency to react with atmospheric moisture. To prevent rust formation, alkali metals are submerged in mineral oil during storage or when being transported.

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