Find the right cutting fluid for drilling and milling with PALCO PALKUT SL. Explore its cooling, stable emulsion, and anti-rust benefits.
On a general-purpose lathe or milling machine, the tool and the workpiece generate heat the moment metal starts to cut. If that heat is not carried away quickly, the tool edge softens, the finish suffers, and the machine itself can start to rust when the coolant is left standing.
Many machine shops require a reliable cutting fluid for drilling and milling that offers good cooling, a stable milky emulsion in hard water, and helps protect the machinery and workpieces from rust. PALCO PALKUT SL is a water-soluble cutting oil for general metal cutting operations. In this article, we will go over the main features, benefits, uses, and how to use it correctly.
What Is PALKUT SL? Cutting Fluid for Drilling and Milling
Palkut SL is a premium-quality water-soluble cutting oil made by Paras Lubricants Limited under the PALCO brand. It is blended from refined mineral oil, emulsifiers, and other additives and is specially developed to form an extremely stable milky emulsion even with higher water hardness levels.
Its performance comes from a carefully balanced recipe:
- Refined mineral oil base, which provides the lubricating film
- Effective emulsifiers, which create a stable milky emulsion even in water up to 400 ppm hardness
- Anti-rust and anti-froth additives, which protect the machine, workpiece and tool while keeping foam under control
- Operator-friendly formulation, which does not leave objectionable odour, cause discolouration or stain
The result is a soluble oil designed for metal-cutting operations where cooling is more important than heavy-duty lubrication, delivering good tool life and finish while remaining economical to use.
Key published characteristics of Palkut SL include:
- Kinematic viscosity at 40°C: 26–32 cSt
- Flash point, COC, min.: 160°C
- Copper strip corrosion (100 %, 3 hrs): 1a
- Cast iron corrosion test at 3% (IP 287): Passes
- pH of 5% emulsion in DM water: 8.5–9.5
- Emulsion stability (5:1 and 20:1 in 400 ppm hardness water): Passes (no oil or cream separation)
It meets IS 1115-2002 specifications and is available in 210 L, 50 L, and 20 L packs.
How Water-Soluble Cutting Oil Works
A soluble cutting oil looks like a clear or amber liquid in the drum. Once mixed with water, it turns into a milky emulsion that both cools and lubricates. Here is how Palkut SL does its job, without the jargon.
Soluble Oil vs. Neat Cutting Oil
A soluble oil is mixed with water to form an emulsion that cools very effectively; a neat oil is used undiluted and is chosen when lubrication matters more than cooling.
Palkut SL is intended for operations where cooling is more important than lubrication. The stable milky emulsion carries heat away from the cutting zone.
Stable Emulsion in Hard Water
Hard water can make ordinary emulsions separate or form cream; a good soluble oil stays uniform even at higher hardness levels.
Palkut SL is specially developed to form an extremely stable milky emulsion even with higher water hardness (tested in 400 ppm water with no oil or cream separation).
Anti-Rust and Anti-Froth Properties
Anti-rust additives protect the machine, workpiece, and tool from corrosion; anti-froth additives stop the emulsion from foaming excessively and overflowing.
PALCO describes PALKUT SL as having anti-rust and anti-froth properties designed to help protect the machine, workpiece, and tool during compatible metal-cutting operations.
Benefits of PALCO Cutting Fluid for Drilling and Milling
Stable milky emulsion even in hard water
The oil forms an extremely stable milky emulsion, delivering consistent cooling and lubrication across general metal-cutting operations.
Good tool life and finish
Effective cooling and a stable emulsion can help support tool life and surface finish in compatible metal-cutting operations.
Protects machine, workpiece and tool
Excellent anti-rust properties and a pass result in the cast-iron corrosion test mean the emulsion does not attack the machine, the part, or the tool.
Operator-friendly and economical
It does not leave objectionable odour, cause discolouration or staining, and is described as operator-friendly and economical in use. Dilution ratios of 5–10% keep consumption reasonable.
Applications of Cutting Fluid for Drilling and Milling
General metal-cutting operations
PALCO PALKUT SL is used for general metal cutting where cooling is important. It can be used as a cutting fluid for drilling and milling operations. Depending on the requirements of the equipment and material, it can be used in compatible conventional machine tool applications, such as drilling, milling, turning, and similar machining operations.
Suitable for Shops Using Hard Water
Because the emulsion remains stable even at higher water hardness levels (tested to 400 ppm), it is practical for plants whose water supply is not particularly soft.
Why Choose PALCO for Industrial Lubricants?
Paras Lubricants Limited was incorporated in 1985 and brings more than 41 years of experience in lubricants. Its head office is in Delhi; it has a western office in Mumbai, and its lubricants are manufactured at its plant in Daman.
Today, Palco offers more than 1,500 products across automotive oils, industrial oils, greases, and auto care and exports to more than 25 countries. Its manufacturing follows ISO 9001-certified quality management systems, and every batch is checked in Palco’s in-house R&D lab before dispatch.
Palkut SL is available in 210 L, 50 L, and 20 L packs. Palco’s engineers can also recommend the right dilution and application for a specific machine or material.
How to Use and Maintain Soluble Cutting Oil
These general tips help any soluble cutting oil deliver its full value. The equipment maker’s recommendations should always come first.
How to Mix Soluble Cutting Oil Correctly
- The dilution ratio with water varies between 5% and 10% depending on the severity of machining.
- Always add the cutting oil into the water (not the other way round) to prevent inversion of the emulsion.
- Use clean water and clean mixing equipment.
Coolant System Maintenance
- Clean the coolant reservoir and system periodically.
- When recharging, circulate a 1% solution for at least one hour and then drain completely before filling with the working emulsion.
- Check the emulsion strength regularly (refractometer) and top up if necessary.
Storing the concentrate
Keep containers tightly closed and store them in a cool, dry place. Wipe lids before opening and use older stock first.
Monitoring Emulsion Condition
During routine checks, look for separation, unusual odour, drop in concentration, or signs of rust on the machine or parts. Adjust dilution or change the emulsion if these appear.
For separate rust-removal and corrosion-protection needs on suitable metal parts, explore PALCO PS-40.
Choosing the right cutting fluid for drilling and milling helps support effective cooling, consistent machining, and equipment maintenance. PALCO PALKUT SL is a water-soluble cutting oil developed for general metalworking applications, with a stable emulsion and anti-rust properties. Review the product specifications and technical datasheet, or contact PALCO to discuss your machining requirements and the most suitable application.
