Castrol (www.castrol.com) has launched Hysol SL 35 XBB and Alusol SL 51 XBB cutting fluids, which do not rely on the use of boron or formaldehyde-releasing agents — or additional biocide and fungicide additive packs. According to the company, these new Hysol and Alusol XBB products are resistant to acid attack from bacteria and maintain pH at a constant level. As a result, they are more resistant to bacterial growth.

For use with ferrous alloys, Castrol Hysol SL 35 XBB is said to neutralise up to 24% more acidic material than standard cutting fluids, and reduce overall fluid top-up volumes by up to 45%. Similarly, Castrol says that Alusol SL 51 XBB neutralises up to 33% more acidic material than standard cutting fluids when used foraluminium machining; it also reduces overall fluid top-up volumes by up to 30%.

By maintaining system stability, the unpleasant odours produced by an emulsion that is suffering from a large population of bacteria are minimised, while the reduced need for testing pH levels lowers the potential for workers to suffer from skin complaints, says the company.