In today’s competitive manufacturing environment, reducing waste, improving tool life, and achieving cleaner machining processes are top priorities. One solution making waves across metalworking industries is the Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) System — and leading the way in this space is Accu-Lube, the industry-leader in high performance, eco-friendly minimum quantity lubrication solutions.
Minimum Quantity Lubrication, often referred to as MQL, is a cutting-edge lubrication method that uses a precise, minimal amount of high-performance lubricant delivered directly to the cutting zone. Unlike traditional flood coolant systems, which use gallons of fluid, MQL systems typically dispense as little as 10–50 milliliters of lubricant per hour.
This approach drastically reduces fluid consumption and eliminates the need for coolant recovery, filtration, and disposal — all while improving machining performance.
Minimum Quantity Lubricants (MQLs) are specially formulated fluids designed to be used with MQL systems. These lubricants are engineered to offer high lubricity and thermal stability, allowing for effective cooling and friction reduction even in very small quantities.
MQL lubricants are typically:
Accu-Lube has long been a pioneer in the development of high-performance, environmentally safe MQL lubricants and MQL dispensing systems. Their products are widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical device manufacturing, and general metalworking.
Accu-Lube LB-4600: A light viscosity MQL lubricant designed for light-duty machining, sawing and cutting. Accu-Lube LB-4600 is a vegetable-based, non-staining biodegradable lubricant ideal for use on ferrous and non-ferrous metals, aluminum and titanium.
Accu-Lube LB-5000: A versatile, vegetable-based MQL lubricant ideal for general machining, sawing and cutting of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Accu-Lube LB-5000 is non-staining and burns off easily, making it well suited for post-heat treating aluminum.
Accu-Lube LB-6000: A premium vegetable-based lubricant engineered for moderate to heavy-duty aluminum machining, cutting and sawing. Accu-Lube LB-6000 is non-staining, and burns off cleanly in post heat treating aluminum applications.
Accu-Lube LB-8500: Due to its superior lubricity, Accu-Lube LB-8500 is ideal for light to moderate duty machining applications on aluminum and all metals.
Accu-Lube LS-10 Gel Paste: A vegetable-based, clingy gel lubricant that allows precise application. Accu-Lube LS-10 Gel Paste is ideal for manual or vertical applications including tapping, drilling and burring. When exposed to heat or friction, Accu-Lube® LS-10 Paste spreads over tool surface to provide excellent lubricating coverage.
Accu-Lube Power Stamp III: A heavy-duty minimum quantity lubricant with non-chlorinated anti-wear and extreme pressure additives, Accu-Lube Power Stamp III is ideal for carbide die stamping, drawing and fine blanking of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, aluminum and titanium.
Switching to MQL and using Accu-Lube products offers a range of benefits, including:
MQL technology is a game-changer for any industry involved in precision machining, including:
Accu-Lube Minimum Quantity Lubricants represent the future of sustainable and efficient machining. By embracing MQL, manufacturers can lower costs, enhance quality, and take a significant step toward environmentally responsible production.
Looking to make the switch to MQL? Explore the Accu-Lube lineup of minimum quantity lubricants and MQL applicators — and discover how precision lubrication can revolutionize your machining operations. Contact the A&M Metalworking Team for help selecting the right minimum quantity lubricants for your application.