What is the main purpose of a coolant in machining?

The main purpose of coolant in machining is to cool the cutting tool and workpiece. When machining operations are carried out, friction generates heat, which can lead to overheating of both the cutting tool and the workpiece. Excessive heat can cause tool wear, loss of dimension accuracy, and potential damage to the material being machined.

By applying coolant, the temperature at the cutting edge is reduced, leading to several benefits. It helps to maintain the integrity and sharpness of the tool, prolonging its life, and allows for more efficient machining by enabling higher cutting speeds and preventing thermal distortion of the workpiece. Additionally, coolant can help to flush away chips and debris from the cutting area, which further contributes to maintaining optimal temperature and improving the efficiency of the operation.

While enhancing the finish of the workpiece can be a secondary benefit of using coolant, its primary function is indeed to manage heat during the machining process.