Metalworking fluids reduce heat and friction between cutting tools and workpieces. The associated lubrication minimizes burning and smoking. Machine shops can achieve significant cost savings with fluid management programs that include recycling. What should decision-makers consider when recycling metalworking fluid?
Understand the Available Methods
People who recycle metalworking fluids reclaim those products from the sumps and remove contaminants such as metal chips and tramp oil. Beyond that general task, they have various ways to achieve their goals.
Vacuum filters separate liquids from solid sludge and emulsions, making them available for immediate reuse. These options significantly reduce waste disposal costs. Hydrocyclones are low-maintenance options that use centrifugal force, providing a continuous and media-free filtration method. Paper filters are ideal ways to extend coolant longevity by removing most contaminants. This effect minimizes downtime while enhancing surface finishes and prolonging tool lifespans.
The world’s solid waste generation exceeds 2 billion metric tons annually. Filtration mechanisms connect to metalworking shop managers’ sustainability goals by removing superfluous items and making fluids usable again.
Calculate the Cost-Saving Potential
Decision-makers will be more motivated to try recycling metalworking fluid if they first estimate how much it would help them save. The benefits come from numerous crucial areas. One of the most obvious is that people will buy new metalworking fluid less often by recycling what they have. The product itself also makes tools last longer and makes them give better results, which contributes to better productivity and quality control.
According to one estimate, facilities could save $216,000 annually by recycling fluid rather than always buying it new. The savings exceed $32,000 in expenses associated with hauling away spent fluid. Those figures give plenty of motivation to start recycling more.
Keeping a spreadsheet of the money saved during an average month or year also encourages leaders to continue the associated practices after establishing them. Meaningful outcomes reassure them that they made an economical choice.
Choose High-Quality Cutting Fluids in Bulk
Although people can recycle cutting fluids numerous times, these products do not last indefinitely. Besides establishing a best practice-driven recycling program, shop managers should consider finding cutting fluids in large quantities. Specially formulated options help users facilitate better thermal management and prevent tools from becoming corroded.
This is especially important because saw blade tooth temperatures can rise to a staggering 1300°F after only a few passes through a material. The fluid itself will need to depend on the material and other factors, but there are generally three types of fluid – synthetics, soluble oils and semi-synthetics.
There are even environmentally responsible formulations to fit individual needs. This includes biodegradable, non-polluting, non-toxic and low VOC. Buying them in large 55-gallon drums can lower overall costs, reduce packaging waste and cater to people who know they will use those amounts within reasonable time frames.
Parties unsure how much their facility uses over time should consider tracking that metric for at least a few months. That is a practical way to determine if bulk products would be valuable or wasteful based on average shop activity.
Study Business-Related and Marketplace Trends
Whether decision-makers already recycle metalworking fluid in their shops or want to start soon, they should analyze various factors that may make them use more or less of the product than usual. They will probably deplete their stocks faster during busy periods but can expect the inventory to last longer during slower times. New equipment purchases and higher throughput will also raise overall usage levels.
When conducting a metalworking fluid industry analysis, researchers expected the segment to show a 3.20% compound annual growth rate between 2025 and 2030, topping out at $8.37 billion by the end of the period. Those compiling the data mentioned recycling systems as products that help suppliers offer value-added solutions.
Leaders who already have preferred companies from which they purchase cutting oils should inquire about whether those brands offer other items that support recycling goals. Expressing interest could show those suppliers that developing recycling solutions could grow their businesses.
Metalworking Fluid Saves Money and More
Although the cost-saving potential may initially entice executives to start recycling metalworking fluid, they should remember that this decision also facilitates better sustainability by reducing waste. These combined benefits make creating a suitable strategy a worthy alternative to only buying the product new.
