31/07/2025

Neat Oil in Precision Turning: Why It's Important

In the world of precision mechanical turning, every detail matters. From the choice of material to the machine tools, to the cutting fluids used in the process: everything affects the final quality of the component.
At Guerrini Lauro, we specialize in the production of high-precision turned parts, and we know how crucial the use of neat oil is in our processes.

• What is neat oil?
• Why is it important in automatic turning?
• For which processes is it recommended?
• A technical choice, a concrete advantage

 

What is neat oil?

Natural oil is a cutting fluid that is immiscible with water, used in pure form in mechanical machining. Of mineral or synthetic origin, it is formulated with specific additives that enhance its lubricating, anti-wear, and protective properties.
Compared to emulsions that are diluted in water, neat oil guarantees greater thermochemical stability, reduced tool wear, and improved surface finishes, particularly important in high-precision applications.
 

Why is it important in automatic turning?

In a production environment like ours, based on automatic lathes, neat oil is a strategic choice. The concrete benefits include:

• Reduced tool wear: Effective lubrication limits friction and overheating, extending tool life.
• Consistent product quality: Pure oil helps achieve cleaner, smoother surfaces.
• Optimized thermal control: Although less cooling than emulsions, neat oil manages heat more uniformly, which is essential for maintaining tolerances.
• Greater process cleanliness: It reduces foam and oil mist formation, contributing to a more stable and safe working environment.

All of these aspects directly impact our core values: prodcution continuity and high precision.
 

For which processes is it recommended?

The use of neat oil is particularly suitable for:

• Precision turning on free-cutting steels, brass, copper, and light alloys
• Threading, milling, and deep drilling, where constant lubrication is required
• Mass production on multi-spindle lathes, where time is crucial and every machine downtime has a cost

At Guerrini Lauro, we choose neat oil based on the combination of material, type of machining, and technical specifications requested by the customer.

To ensure reliability and high performance, we collaborate with specialized technical partners, such as CBC – Oils and Fluids for Precision Mechanics, our trusted supplier for selecting the most suitable products for our systems.

The cutting oil we use is distinguished by its special biodegradable synthetic esters and low-environmental impact lubricating additives. It is formulated without chlorine or active chemical components that could stain or alter the machined metal surfaces. It also has a very low tendency to atomize and produce fumes, ensuring a safer and cleaner work environment.

This innovative formulation ensures effective heat removal from the cutting area, contributing to longer tool life and high-quality surface finishes.
 

A technical choice, a concrete advantage

The use of neat oil is not just a technical choice, but a strategic lever for quality. It allows you to:

• Reduce the number of tool changes
• Improve the finish and repeatability of parts
• Increase production efficiency
• Ensure consistent quality standards over time

These factors, in customer relationships, translate into guaranteed lead times, lower costs, and reliable results. At Guerrini Lauro, we combine technology, experience, and process control to offer highly reliable, custom-made turned components.

Contact us for a consultation or a quote: we are ready to complete your next project with the precision it deserves.