In metalworking applications, such as metal drilling, using a specifically designed lubricant or grease is crucial to ensure optimal results. 

A cutting oil ou metalworking fluid is the recommended solution for metal drilling and manufacturing applications. These oils are highly heat resistant and have excellent anti-wear qualities.  

Using a metalworking lubricant, like Tap Plus, can help reduce friction, heat buildup, and minimise the wear on tools and drill bits. This can lead to smoother drilling and improve the overall efficiency of the metal drilling. 

Lubricating oils are vital to protect drill bits and prolong the life of the drilling equipment. Without lubrication, drill components can become blunted, and this can affect efficiency and overall profit margins. 

In this article, we’ll explore what makes lubricants and greases ideal for metal drilling and how to use them effectively. 

What is a metal drilling lubricant?

A metal drilling lubricant is a high-performance industrial lubricant designed specifically for drilling, reaming and tapping.

A drilling lubricant should provide extreme pressure and anti-wear performance, maximise tool life, allow for a strong feed rate (speed), reduce downtime and be available in liquid, paste and aerosol forms.

Why Lubrication is Essential in Metal Drilling

When drilling metal, friction between the drill bit and the metal generates significant heat, with temperatures up to +550°C, in some applications.

This can cause several problems:

• Overheating: Excessive heat can weaken the drill bit and cause it to dull quickly.
• Metal Deformation: Heat can deform the metal being drilled, leading to inaccuracies.
• Tool Wear: Increased friction and heat accelerate the wear and tear on drill bits, reducing their lifespan.

This can ultimately lead to increased production costs and reduced asset life and can have an effect on the drilling process limiting results and leading to worse results from the drilling application overall.

In order to maximise efficiency and achieve the very best results, finding the right lubricant for your application can lead to significantly improved results.

Top Lubricants and Greases for Metal Drilling

Here are some of the best lubricants and greases that professionals and hobbyists alike recommend for metal drilling:

• MSO

MSO is a soluble cutting oil that offers extreme pressure and anti-wear performance. It is created with a low-gravity, solvent-refined neutral oil and is free from cresylic acid, phenols and cresols. Which are corrosive chemicals and can cause skin irritation and burns.

It is an odourless oil and safe to handle for use in manual applications. It offers superior lubrication under high-temperature conditions, and is less likely to break down, and often provides better protection than conventional oils.

Apply to the drill bit and workpiece before and during drilling.

• Tap Plus

Tap Plus is a hand-applied cutting fluid that utilizes the latest technology and innovations to withstand extreme heat and severe conditions found within metalworking industries.

They work by reducing friction and heat, providing a smooth cutting action, and extending tool life.

As they are hand-applied, applying a small amount directly to the drilling area and the drill bit will be sufficient to make them effective.

3. FMM

MWF is a concentrated neat cutting fluid and a general-purpose metalworking fluid. It contains a unique oil-soluble compound with extreme pressure, anti-weld additives.

This ensures that it prevents welding and pick up with light alloys and tough metals. This makes MWF the best solution for hobbing, thread grinding, gear shaping and tapping.

Choosing the Right Metal Drilling Lubricant for Your Needs

Although you can use any number of metalworking lubricants or drilling oils, to achieve the best possible results and benefits for the metal drilling process, it’s crucial to select the most effective lubricant available.

To ensure maximum results and efficiency, it’s important to know the correct details for the application the lubricant is being used for.

Selecting the right lubricant depends on several factors:

• Type of Metal: Softer metals like aluminum may require different lubricants than harder metals like stainless steel.
• Drilling Speed: Higher speeds generate more heat and may need lubricants with better cooling properties.
• Drill Bit Material: High-speed steel (HSS) bits may benefit from different lubricants than carbide-tipped bits.
• Application Environment: Consider if the drilling is done in a vertical, horizontal, or overhead position, and choose a lubricant that stays in place accordingly.

If you are unsure of some of these details or feel you need advice on the best option for you, speak to a member of our team to get expert advice on the right lubricant solution for you.

Application Tips

To ensure that the lubricant is applied effectively and offers the best lubrication of the metal drill bit, here are some general tips for applying the solution:

• Consistent Application: Apply lubricant consistently throughout the drilling process to ensure continuous cooling and lubrication.
• Clean Up: After drilling, clean the workpiece and drill bit to remove any lubricant residue, preventing contamination or interference in subsequent processes.
• Safety: Use gloves and protective eyewear when handling lubricants to avoid skin and eye irritation.

Conclusão

In summary, using the right lubricant is essential for successful metal drilling. Throughout this article, we’ve examined the role of metal drilling lubricants, why they’re critical for protecting tools, and how they improve efficiency by reducing heat, friction, and wear.

Whether you’re working with aluminium or tougher alloys, choosing a suitable product like MSO, Tap Plus, or MWF can significantly enhance performance, extend tool life, and prevent costly damage.

Understanding your application, metal type, drilling speed, and environment will guide you to the best lubrication solution. With the proper product and application method, you can optimise your drilling results and safeguard your equipment for the long term.