Public Funding for Afton Chemical Limited

Machining of materials such as titanium and nickel-based alloys used in aerospace and nuclear components is typically limited by the amount of heat generated at the cutting zone. Heat is removed by the use of a cutting fluid which acts both as a coolant and a lubricant. A cutting fluid is a complex formulated fluid consisting of many additive components, each providing a specific function such as anti-corrosion and lubrication properties amongst others. The consortium has identified a real opportunity to formulate a novel performance additive with higher heat removal properties that can be incorporated into cutting fluids, to allow end-users the ability to machine at even higher cutting speeds enabling increased productivity and cost savings. This business-led project working with the HVM Catapult will exploit this opportunity to formulate a new performance additive using novel chemicals, materials and processing, to target boundary layers lubrication and the associated packaging chemistry to ensure stable delivery and that it complies with regulatory requirements. This additive will provide significant value to UK industries in particular sectors utilising difficult to machine materials.