Coolant ED-Ucation - Article Index

Articles to help you run a more efficient, money-saving operation — by Ed Thaves, "The Coolant Guy."

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Thinking about coolant? I do it ALL the time! - I've been thinking lately about business and what could be done to jump start everything. February 2009

Environmentally friendly coolant use - aka "Green Metalworking" - Regardless of whether you believe climate change is man-made or a natural part of the earth's weather cycle, reducing pollution is always a good idea. November 2008

Coolant Costs and Saving - I know now that gasoline isn't the only thing that is increasing in price. August 2008

A Change of Seasons - Springtime can bring unexpected changes on the shop floor. Shortly after seeing your first robin you will probably start to notice changes in how your coolant systems are performing. Here are some tips on how best to respond. May 2008

A Tale of Two Coolants Or… Something’s Rotten in Denmark Tool & Die - You didn't have to be a private eye to know that the folks at Denmark Tool and Die had a pretty smelly problem on their hands. That's why they called on me. January 2008

Coolant Seminar 101 - Includes ideas on comparing coolant types, changing your machine's coolant and tips on getting your coolant to last longer. December 2007

What Should You Expect in a Drum of Coolant? - You should expect a number of ingredients in a drum of coolant - things like lubricants, biocides, rust preventives and perhaps a foam suppressant. But there are five additional ingredients every drum should contain. Without these, your coolant will disappoint you. August 2007

Talking About Coolant - Yes, one product can perform all your machining operations. The beauty of the 8126 Semi-synthetic Coolant is that it addresses all the common machining issues. This coolant provides excellent rust protection, operates very clean, odor is never a concern, bacteria and mold are virtually non-existent and operators love how mild it is on their hands. Couple this with the fact that the S. C. Chemical sales staff is always prepared to help with any questions you might have and the result is a metalworking coolant you don’t have to worry about. May 2007

Getting the Most for Your Money - If I were to visit your machine shop, I'd immediately look for ways to save your company money. Even without a visit from me, here are three tips you can use to generate savings in the machining process. February 2007

Coolant Problems Solved from the Inside Out - To boost productivity, you need a solution that boosts efficiency and nearly eliminates the need for you to be on the shop floor micro-managing day-to-day issues. That solution may be found in an idea I regularly share with my coolant customers. It involves at least two people and both of them are already available to you at no added cost. October 2006

What Do Coolant Test Results Mean? - Your coolant supplier visits you on a regular basis and takes samples from various machines for analysis in their laboratory. The whole idea here is to evaluate the condition of the coolant and make recommendations that will prevent problems and extend the life of the coolant. But what if you receive a “lab report” and you don’t know what it means? Let me help you out! August 2006

Five Steps to Improve Coolant Performance - Here, we are going to explore the steps necessary for saving big money on your coolant usage, including ideas on waste disposal and how to improve your total machining process. May 2006

Don't Change Coolant Suppliers Over Price! - How can you tell if you are getting the best coolant for the application and, for that matter, the best coolant for the price? How do you know when to keep a coolant supplier or show him the door? Of course, the ultimate answer is a judgment call you’ll have to make, but here are few benchmarks to keep in mind. February 2006

Every Shop Needs a Super Hero! - As your shop’s resident superhero, you might feel like it’s a battle to find the perfect rust-prevention product for every job. This article offers tips on selection and best practices for usage. November 2005

How Long Should Coolant Last? - Much longer than you think. Learn the tricks to saving money through coolant longevity. August 2005

Wake Up and Smell...The Coolant? - Fresh, clean coolant should not have a bad odor. So where does that awful smell come from? April 2005

Why Do Parts Rust When the Coolant Appears Okay? - Unlock the mystery of rust and learn several steps you can take to prevent it. February 2005

Coolant Concentration Charts - These charts will help you determine exactly what your coolant concentration should be.
September 2004

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About the author:

Ed Thaves formed S.C. Chemical Company, Inc. out of his more than 25 years experience in metalworking chemistry. S.C. Chemical manufacturers high quality coolants, cleaners, rust prevention, and speciality chemicals for customers in the U.S. and Mexico.

 

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Most of the articles presented here originally appeared in Shop Talk magazine. Shop Talk is published by Magellan Publishing.