Contents

• Introduction to slideway oils
• What is slideway oil, and why is it important in manufacturing?
• How do I choose the right slideway oil for my equipment??
• What viscosity grades are commonly used for slideway oils?
• How often should slideway oil be changed or replenished?
• Are slideway oils compatible with all coolants?
• Are synthetic slideway oils better than mineral-based ones?
• What's the difference between a slideway oil and a hydraulic-slideway oil combination?
• Can contaminated slideway oil cause machine damage?
• Summary of slideway oils

Introduction to slideway oils

In this article you will find out more about what slideway oils are, how they are used and how they can improve machine processes. By using the right slideway oil, manufacturers can improve machining accuracy, extend equipment life, and avoid costly downtime.

What is slideway oil, and why is it important in manufacturing?

Slideway oil is a specialised lubricant designed for the moving surfaces - or "slideways" - of machine tools like CNC machines, lathes, and milling machines. It reduces friction, prevents stick-slip motion, and ensures smooth, accurate movement.

In manufacturing, using the right slideway oil is critical because it protects machine surfaces from wear, improves machining precision, and helps maintain high production quality over time. Without proper lubrication, machines can suffer from jerky movements, poor accuracy, and costly breakdowns.

Key benefits of slideway oils:

• Smooth, stick-slip-free movement.

• Protection against wear and corrosion.

• Enhanced machining precision.

• Better coolant separation and system cleanliness.

How do I choose the right slideway oil for my equipment?

Selecting the appropriate slideway oil is crucial for ensuring optimal machine performance and longevity. Factors such as machine orientation, operating conditions, and compatibility with other fluids play significant roles in this decision.​

Key Considerations:

• Machine Orientation: Vertical slideways typically require lighter viscosity oils (e.g., ISO VG 32 or 68) to counteract gravity and ensure smooth movement. Horizontal slideways, bearing heavier loads, benefit from higher viscosity oils like ISO VG 220.​

• Operating Conditions: Machines operating under high pressure or at varying temperatures need oils with excellent lubricity and thermal stability.​

• Compatibility: Ensure the slideway oil is compatible with your machine's cutting fluids to prevent issues like emulsification or coolant contamination.​

• Adhesion and Anti-Wear Properties: Opt for oils that offer strong adhesion to slide surfaces and contain anti-wear additives to protect against friction and corrosion.​

Slideway Oils Available at Cutwel:

Cutwel offers a range of slideway oils tailored to various machine requirements:​

FUCHS RENEP CGLP 68: Designed for modern machine tool slideways, this oil provides excellent lubricity under high-pressure conditions and contains EP additives for enhanced performance.

 
Millers Oils Millway 220: Ideal for heavy-duty applications, it boasts outstanding anti-wear and anti-corrosion properties, with a tacky additive to prevent dripping and ensure a persistent lubricating film. 

Cutwel Pro Cutway 68/220: This range offers both ISO VG 68 and 220 viscosities, catering to different machine orientations and load conditions.

What viscosity grades are commonly used for slideway oils?

The most commonly used viscosity grades for slideway oils are ISO VG 32, 68, and 220. Lighter grades like VG 32 and VG 68 are typically used for vertical slideways and high-speed machines where quick, smooth movement is critical. Heavier grades like VG 220 are better suited for horizontal slideways, larger equipment, or machines carrying heavier loads, providing a thicker oil film for greater protection and stability under pressure.

How often should slideway oil be changed or replenished?

Slideway oil should be checked daily and replenished as needed to maintain a consistent lubrication film, especially in high-use machines. Full oil replacement is typically recommended during scheduled maintenance intervals, which can range from weekly to monthly depending on machine workload, operating environment, and manufacturer guidelines. Regular monitoring helps prevent stick-slip issues, reduces wear on slideways, and ensures the long-term precision of CNC machines, milling machines, and lathes.

Are slideway oils compatible with all coolants?

Slideway oils are not always compatible with all coolants, particularly water-based or synthetic coolants. Poor compatibility can lead to emulsification, where the oil mixes with the coolant and causes contamination, reducing both lubricant and coolant performance. To avoid these issues, it's important to choose slideway oils with good demulsibility, meaning they separate easily from coolants. Using the right slideway oil helps maintain coolant life, protect machine surfaces, and ensure consistent machining accuracy.

Are synthetic slideway oils better than mineral-based ones?

Synthetic slideway oils generally offer superior oxidation resistance, thermal stability, and longer service life compared to mineral-based oils.

Benefits of Synthetic Slideway Oils:

• Superior oxidation resistance, maintaining oil performance for longer periods.

• Excellent thermal stability, making them ideal for high-temperature operations.

• Longer service life, reducing the frequency of oil changes and maintenance.

• Better performance under extreme conditions, including high loads and heavy-duty operations.

• Improved low-temperature flow and better pumpability in cold conditions.

Benefits of Mineral-Based Slideway Oils:

• Cost-effective, making them a budget-friendly option for standard operations.

• Widely available and suitable for most common machining processes.

• Good protection against wear and corrosion in regular operating environments.

• Reliable performance in typical temperature ranges and lighter workloads.

What is the difference between a slideway oil and a hydraulic-slideway oil combination?

A slideway oil is specifically formulated to lubricate machine tool slideways, providing low friction, stick-slip resistance, and protection against wear and corrosion. In contrast, a hydraulic-slideway oil combination serves a dual purpose, functioning as both a slideway lubricant and a hydraulic fluid. This type of oil is used in machines where the same reservoir powers both hydraulic systems and slideways, offering the convenience of one fluid for both functions. While hydraulic-slideway oils offer simplified maintenance and cost savings, they must balance the requirements of both lubrication and hydraulic fluid performance, which may sometimes compromise their effectiveness in either function compared to specialized oils.

Can contaminated slideway oil cause machine damage?

Yes, contaminated slideway oil can significantly damage machines. Contaminants like dirt, metal particles, or coolant can cause abrasive wear on slideways, leading to increased friction, stick-slip issues, and reduced machining precision. Over time, contamination can break down the oil’s lubricating properties, compromising its ability to protect machine surfaces from corrosion and wear. This not only accelerates equipment deterioration but can also lead to unplanned downtime and costly repairs, emphasizing the importance of regular oil monitoring and filtration systems to maintain oil cleanliness and machine performance.

Summary of slideway oils

Slideway oils reduce friction and prevent stick-slip in machine tools like CNC machines and lathes, improving accuracy and extending equipment life. Choosing the right oil depends on factors like machine orientation, operating conditions, and fluid compatibility. Common viscosities are ISO VG 32, 68, and 220. Synthetic oils offer better thermal stability and longer life compared to mineral-based oils.

Cutwel supply a wide range of high quality fluids and lubricants from leading brands such as Fuchs, Miller Oils, Rocol and more .For more information or to make an enquiry please contact our expert sales team on 01924 869 610 or email sales@cutwel.net.

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