BTM Corp., a Michigan-based manufacturer of clinch joining systems, automation components and contract machine work, has reported substantial savings in coolant usage and waste removal costs after switching its aluminum and steel machining operations to run on QualiChem XTREME CUT 251C semi-synthetic metalworking fluid.

Michigan Petroleum Technologies, QualiChem's distributor in lower Michigan, oversaw the 6-month trials in which BTM compared XTREME CUT 251C against the fluids it had been using.

"The results of the trials on four machines spoke for themselves," said Richard Seim, executive vice president of Michigan Petroleum Technologies. "Coolant usage and waste removal costs were down 50 percent, and machine operators reported total elimination of noxious odors. Altogether, the total documented hard savings resulting from reduced coolant usage and waste removal costs added up to more than $47,000 in 2013."

Dave Lamb, BTM manufacturing manager, said: "BTM has an intensive coolant maintenance program and Michigan Petroleum stated that we should be able to lower consumption and the maintenance cost using QualiChem XTREME CUT 251C. We tested several coolants and found that Michigan Petroleum was correct. We lowered our coolant consumption, maintenance cost, and waste coolant disposal cost using XTREME CUT 251C."

"I like the cleanliness, clarity and machinability of the QualiChem XTREME CUT 251C," said Tony Weber, BTM milling supervisor. "There is minimal maintenance and operator acceptance has been excellent."

Dick Kleinknecht, lathe supervisor at BTM, said, "I've experienced excellent results with XTREME CUT 251C. The product does not have an undesirable odor and is very easy to maintain."

"At QualiChem, our strategy for success is dependent on our superior technology and outstanding distributors like Michigan Petroleum Technologies," said Mike Forest, director of metalworking at QualiChem.

"They brought to the table a deep understanding of their customer's needs and challenges, combined with their technical expertise and knowledge of QualiChem's product lines. The result is a solution that dramatically reduces BTM's operating costs, extends tool life, produces cleaner finished products and improves operator satisfaction on the job."