What is MQL Anyway?

At MagLube, our lubrication is specifically designed as a MQL application. The industry jargon may have you asking yourself, exactly what is MQL and why's in important enough to design and manufacture an entire product line around it? Allow us to fill you in on the details and better explain MQL and why we stand firmly behind it.

What is MQL?
MQL stands for Minimum Quantity Lubrication. At Mag Lube, we refer to it as MQL, but this technique goes by a variety of other names, including: Minimal Quantity Lubrication, Near-Dry Machining, or Micro-Lubrication. There are a handful of other names and acronyms commonly used in addition to those we've mentioned. Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) is an alternative to the use of traditional metal working fluids in machining.

The concept of MQL is fundamentally different than that of flood coolant, which is still heavily used throughout the machining industry. Flood coolant is used to "flood" the interface of a cutting tool and workpiece, keeping the heat generated by machining operations at bay. One of the main downsides to the use of coolant is that it adds extra equipment into the equation. Equipment to recirculate, filter, test, and treat the coolant.

So how does MQL differ from coolant? MQL makes use of a lubricant, not a coolant, and does so in ‘minimum quantities’. Where coolants flood the interface in an attempt to cool things down, MQL coats the interface with a thin film of lubricant and prevents heat buildup through friction reduction. This lubrication and transfer of heat keeps the cutting tool much cooler and reduces tool wear. A tools’ life expectancy can be known to double with the use of MQL as opposed to flood coolant.

In a nutshell, MQL is a viable alternative which saves money, eliminates the mess, disposal, and negative aspects of coolant. To learn more about our MQL products, visit our website at MagLube.com.