Cutting Compounds

Cutting Compounds

Cutting compounds are applied to cutting tools and workpieces during drilling, tapping, threading and reaming to reduce cutting forces, dissipate heat, improve surface finish and extend tool life. AIMS Industrial stocks a range of cutting compound formulations in paste and liquid forms to suit different materials and cutting operations.

Why Use a Cutting Compound?

In metalcutting operations, heat is the primary cause of premature tool failure and poor surface finish. Cutting compounds lubricate the tool-chip interface, reduce friction, carry away heat and prevent the built-up edge that occurs when material welds onto the cutting edge. The right compound can double or triple tap life in difficult materials like stainless steel and significantly reduce cutting effort in hand-tapping operations.

Paste Compounds

Paste cutting compounds are the most common format for tapping, threading and reaming. They are applied directly to the tap or die before cutting and to the workpiece thread during the operation. Paste compounds cling to the cutting edge and provide lubrication throughout the cutting stroke, including in vertical and overhead tapping where liquids would drain away. Trefolex Cutting Compound is a well-established paste product widely used in Australian workshops for hand and machine tapping across a broad range of metals.

Liquid Cutting Fluids

Liquid cutting fluids are used in machine tapping, drilling on lathes and mills, and CNC machining where the fluid can be applied by brush, drip feed or recirculating coolant system. Formulations range from neat cutting oils (straight mineral or vegetable oil) for maximum lubrication on tough materials, to semi-synthetic and soluble (water-miscible) oils for general machining where cooling is the priority.

Material-Specific Selection

Stainless steel and titanium require a high-lubricity compound that prevents galling and work hardening. Cast iron is typically cut dry or with air blast. Aluminium requires a non-ferrous-safe formulation to prevent aluminium pickup. For help selecting the right cutting compound for your material and operation, contact our team. AIMS Industrial has been supplying Australian machinists and workshops since 1988.