What are synthetic fluids used for in cutting operations?

Synthetic fluids play a crucial role in cutting operations, primarily by providing effective cooling to the cutting tool and workpiece. In machining processes, heat is generated due to friction between the tool and the material being cut. Excessive heat can adversely affect the cutting tool's performance and the integrity of the workpiece, leading to issues like tool wear or thermal deformation.

Synthetic fluids help dissipate this heat through their cooler properties, enabling a more consistent temperature during the cutting process. They often have a lower viscosity, which allows them to flow easily through the machining area, ensuring that heat is effectively removed.

While synthetic fluids can also offer some level of lubrication, which helps reduce friction and wear, their primary purpose is most often associated with cooling. This cooling effect is vital in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the cutting tools and in achieving high-quality surface finishes on the machined parts. Therefore, while both lubrication and cooling are important in a machining operation, in this case, the focus is on the cooling aspect provided by synthetic fluids.