Top of Page Importance of Water Quality on Water Dilutable Metalworking Fluid Water is the major ingredient in a water-based metalworking fluid mix. Therefore, its importance in product performance cannot be ignored. Corrosion, residue, scum, rancidity, foam, excess concentrate usage, or almost any metalworking fluid performance problem can be caused by the quality of the water used in making the mix. Untreated water always contains impurities. Even rain water is more pure.
Some impurities have no apparent effect on a waterbased metalworking fluid.
Others may affect it drastically. By reacting or combining with metalworking fluid ingredients, impurities can change performance characteristics. Therefore, water treatment is sometimes necessary to obtain the full benefits of water-based metalworking fluids. Top of Page Rancidity of Water Dilutable Metalworking Fluids - Causes, Concerns, Controls, and Corrective Actions Rancidity is one metalworking fluid challenge which demands immediate attention. Employees will not tolerate a foul smelling fluid and even if they would, the rust, loss of finish, poor tool life, and the generally poor performance that may accompany rancidity can be major concerns in metalworking operations.