Page 51 - Fall 2023 EDM Today

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Understanding that different applications will have a
The testing service that you choose should include
the following tests:
greater or lesser tolerance to contamination, CLC does
not believe it is practical to put a “one size fi ts all” life
• FTIR Spectroscopy to determine organic and
rating on an oil. Instead, we envision three different

polymeric contaminants, as well as oxidation and
acceptable limits based upon the material removal rate

decomposition products.
(MRR) and surface fi nish.
• Karl Fischer test for moisture.
CLC’s EDM Oil Test Package incorporates multiple
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• EDXRF Spectrometry to identify and quantify
laboratory tests for which the results will be reviewed
elemental contaminants.

together to give the full story on the health of the fl uid.
• ASTM D664 Test for acid number.
Higher MRR typically used with roughing will have the
• Kinematic Viscosity Test for fl ow characteristics.
broadest acceptable limits. Slower MRR used when
skimming to get a brushed fi nish or a sanitary fi nish will
• Dielectric Strength Test – Potentially the most
have a tighter acceptable limit. Low MRR used to achieve

important to determine the proper behavior as a
a mirror fi nish will have the tightest acceptable limit.

dielectric fl uid.
At the end of the day, it is up to the individual customers
to determine when an oil is at the end of life. Current-
ly, CLC is not aware of any customer requirements to
CLC is a Geneva, Illinois manufacturer of EDM dielectric oil.
perform periodic tests on oil. However, with tightening About CLC Lubricants
They produce several different types of EDM oil ranging in
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quality demands, particularly in aerospace or medical
viscosity to match the needs of EDM applications ranging from
industries, it would not be surprising if the OEMs would
ultra-low viscosity for micro EDM, to more viscous product that
one day soon decide to add oil testing to annual calibra-
will hold particulate in suspension in the heaviest roughing
tions. Currently, specifi c EDM oils are approved. EDM
application. Product is available in both mineral and synthetic
departments that are producing aerospace parts are
oil. CLC also produces high quality grinding and cutting oils and
typically not allowed to change the EDM oil; but in reality,
coolants, as well as general maintenance lubricants.
after a certain time, the oil in the machine is different
than it was at the start.
For more information, visit www.clclubricants.com, or call
(800) 543-0505. Pat O’Brien can be reached directly at:
If you are concerned about the quality of your EDM oil,
talk with your distributor about running a test. You may
be surprised at the results, particularly if you have been
using the same oil for a while. ptobrien77@aol.com
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EDM Today, Fall 2023 Issue