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Castrol expands biocide-free cutting fluid range with Hysol SL 45 XBB for aerospace machining

Date:
March 2018
Aircraft in hangar
  • XBB technology reduces the need for additives and biocides to meet current 10th ATP HSE legislation in Europe
  • Approved by Tier-1 aerospace OEMs for wide range of aerospace alloy-cutting processes
  • Stable pH and outstanding machining performance help safeguard quality, reduce costs and improve working conditions

Castrol, one of the world’s leading lubricants companies, is expanding its range of high-performance XBB metalworking fluids with the launch of Hysol SL 45 XBB – a new soluble cutting fluid for aerospace machining operations that’s formulated without boron and formaldehyde releasing agents.


Castrol XBB cutting fluids can reduce biocide additive top-ups by up to 90%[1], giving longer life, dramatically reducing operating costs[2] - without sacrificing performance[3]


“Cutting fluids with Castrol XBB technology are firm favourites for machining operations worldwide, where they help our customers meet stringent HSE legislation and reduce operating costs by eliminating the need for frequent and expensive additive top-ups,” said Dr Rudolf Janner, Global Product Manager at Castrol. “Hysol SL 45 XBB now brings the same benefits to demanding aerospace machining applications, so plant managers no longer have to choose between quality, safety and productivity.”


Castrol Hysol SL 45 XBB gives outstanding machining performance across a wide range of aerospace alloy-cutting processes[4] and is approved by Tier 1 aerospace OEMs, like Airbus, Bombardier and Safran.[5]


Its excellent lubrication results in longer tool life and higher surface finish, while excellent wetting properties help keep machines and parts free from swarf build-up. Importantly, a 20% emulsion of Hysol SL 45 XBB has also been demonstrated to be a non-irritant to the skin[6], even after repeated contact.


Cutting fluids perform an essential role in the manufacturing of many types of metal components. One of the main drawbacks of traditional technology is that, over time, the fluid can suffer from bacterial growth and contamination. This leads to pH depletion, unpleasant odours, unstable emulsion and poor performance.


Customers trialling Castrol Hysol SL 45 XBB report a range of benefits, including

  • cost savings from reduced biocide and fungicide additive top-ups
  • visibly reduced foaming

Castrol XBB technology redefines the core properties of cutting fluids – they’re resistant to acid attack from bacteria, proven to maintain pH at a constant level and are therefore inherently more resistant to bacterial growth.


Contact your Castrol Sales Engineer to find out more about how Castrol XBB cutting fluids can deliver high-performance and future-proof production.

[1] Source: Customer Case Study, Hysol SL 45 XBB, extended system life from 3 weeks to 5 weeks (67%) without any biocide additive top-ups.
[2] Source: Customer Case Study, Hysol SL 45 XBB, the proof points of no odours and savings up to USD 15,000 a year.
[3] Source: Based on Alkalinity and 28-days Microbiology Challenge Lab Tests against major competition in 2017
[4] Source: Based on Alkalinity and 28-days Microbiology Challenge Lab Tests against major competition in 2017
[5] Source: OEM approval letters
[6] Based on the BUS test, score evaluation after an open topical application (exposure period: 0.5hrs, 1.0hr, 5.0hrs, 1x appl.; unstripped skin) it can be concluded that the product Hysol SL 45 XBB (fresh; 20%) is non-irritant to the skin, even after repeated skin contact – Dr. Wolfgang F. Pittermann, Certified Veterinary Pathologist