Slideway Oils (for CNC Machines) (H3)
Slideway oils or way oils are a specific category of industrial lubricants designed for use in machine tool slideways and guideways. There isn't a single company named "Sideway Oils"; rather, major lubricant manufacturers produce various types of these oils, primarily categorized by their viscosity.
Types: (H4)
- Slideway Oil VG 32: Suitable for light-duty or high-speed equipment, such as smaller CNC machines or precision tools.
- Slideway Oil VG 68: The standard choice for most general machining and CNC applications, offering a balance of film strength and adhesion.
- Slideway Oil VG 220: Designed for heavy-duty slideways, large machines, or vertical applications where a higher film strength is required to resist drip-off and pressure.
Key Features: (H4)
- Excellent Adhesion (Tackifiers): A critical feature is the inclusion of tackifiers, which ensures the oil adheres firmly to both horizontal and vertical surfaces and prevents runoff, maintaining a durable lubricating film even under heavy loads.
- Friction Control and Stick-Slip Prevention: These oils are specifically designed to eliminate "stick-slip" motion (jerky movement or chatter), which is common in machine tools as the slide changes direction and speed. This results in smooth, consistent travel and improved surface finish quality.
- Anti-Wear (AW) and Extreme Pressure (EP) Properties: Specialized additives provide a protective layer that minimizes wear and tear on guideways and sliding components, extending their lifespan.
- Corrosion and Rust Protection: They contain anti-corrosion additives to protect metal surfaces from rust and corrosion, especially in humid environments or where water-based coolants are used.
- Compatibility with Water-Based Coolants: Formulated to readily separate from water-based coolants (good demulsifying properties) to prevent the formation of tramp oil, which can lead to bacterial growth and shortened coolant life.
- Versatile Application: Many slideway oils can also function as a moderately loaded hydraulic fluid, gear oil, or in circulating systems, simplifying inventory and application.