Imagine if manufacturing jet engines were less complicated

Article provided by Ingevity

Diacid 1550 is a bio-based emulsifier with a growing reputation among metalworking fluid formulators worldwide. Because of its ability to create a more stable metalworking fluid and provide corrosion inhibition, Diacid is a trusted addition to formulations used to machine super alloy metals. This means that customers can expect precision even in the high-heat and high-pressure environments of jet and rocket engine manufacturing. That’s The Ingevity Effect.

Problem
Federal regulations to increase the fuel efficiency of jet and rocket engines continue to become more demanding. Protomatic Inc., Dexter, Mich., a manufacturer of space vehicle components for Blue Origin, is all too familiar with the challenges of continuous innovation while meeting these demands. The high-performance, superalloy metals required to manufacture today’s rocket engines mean that Protomatic needs a state-of-the-art, multifunctional machining coolant.

“The super alloy metals we use to make these massive rocket engines are more difficult to cut,” explained Doug Wetzel, vice president and general manager at Protomatic. “They also require higher heat, pressure and lubricity in order to be cut with the desired precision. We use Ingevity’s additive in our coolant formulation because it works well in this harsh environment.”

Solution
The value of Diacid 1550 is becoming increasingly well known to even the most demanding metalworking fluid formulators worldwide. Protomatic’s material selection process for additives used in their machining coolant formulation is strict: The additive must be compatible with both the metal alloys and the cutting tools; it must have high lubricity at cutting temperatures; it must extend the life of the tools and the overall life of the coolant; and it must be worker friendly in terms of look, smell and feel. Diacid has enabled Protomatic to make a difficult manufacturing environment much less complicated.

Maximizing Value
♦ Diacid 1550’s dual action functionality and higher affinity for metal surfaces creates a chemical protective barrier, which means increased corrosion inhibition.
♦ The unique molecular structure of Diacid 1550 means more stability in fluid compositions for metalworking fluid formulators.
♦ Diacid 1550 can reduce the amount of emulsifier additives and corrosion inhibitors required in formulation, which saves money.