Precision Cleaning Detergent as Coolant

Q. We are trying to clean up a machine coolant from our VMC that has residue on the acrylic parts we are milling. It occurs to me that we might simply run Alconox as the coolant. Do you know of anyone doing this?

A. Yes, we have heard of people using Alconox precision cleaning solutions as coolant/cleaner. Often you would use a reduced concentration of Alconox of say 1/4% (o.3 oz/gal or 2.5 g/L) for use as a coolant. The Alconox solution will foam when agitated.

The surfactants in the Alconox give good lubricity to the coolant. This lubricity is often desirable. The cleaning agents and dispersants in the Alconox solution can remove oils, control particulates and reduce burring when cutting.

The cleaning process works most thoroughly when you can rinse the parts with water after using the Alconox solution coolant. If you do not rinse, there will be small amounts of residue where any dried on Alconox solution is left on the part.

Got a precision cleaning question? Ask our cleaning experts at Ask Alconox. For more information about any one of our Alconox Cleaners, consult the specific technical bulletin for each product HERE. Or click here to access each of our detergent’s Material Data Safety Sheets. You can also request a free sample by completing the questionnaire at Get Sample.