CUTTING FLUIDS FOR OPERATIONS ON METAL WITH FLEXIBLE ABRASIVE BELTS.

Abrasive belts consist of abrasive grains fixed to a supporting belt by an adhesive. The abrasive normally employed is silicon carbide or aluminium oxide, or, in particular cases, iron oxide grains. Compared with dry grinding the use of a cutting oil ensures higher production, economy, increased belt life, and a better finish. The principal types of products used in metal grinding by abrasive belts are: soluble oils; synthetic water-base solutions; lubricating greases; and mineral oils, with or without additives. In practice, it would be advisable to use: very low viscosity straight mineral oils for material that tends to clog the belt; very fluid compounded oils for carbon steels and non-ferrous metals; mineral oils of differing viscosities.