Smarter machines, metalworking fluids and ways of thinking - but also new methods to hide dangerous chemicals. This is a few of the trends that Jan Östlund is predicting for 2017.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a theme that will affect us all, even us that’s working with metalworking fluids. In addition to reduced environmental impact, a sustainability focus will lead to reduced MWF related costs. These costs are often forgotten, because they are hidden in various accounts of the company. An example of this is increased recycling of fluid that would otherwise be destroyed (one stall tip). We are ready for it in the industry today, and our world needs it.
AI
If we look at international trends, the ability to handle large data volumes will lead to artificial intelligence and "machine learning" is being introduced in the industry. Machinery and processes that learn from their mistakes and learn to be optimal. We will be seeing more self-driving cars on the roads in 2017.
Real Time Control
Increased computer power combined with new production technologies enables us to get more advanced processes, where the users have real-time control of their process fluids. Today, it sometimes takes days to get a response on the current situation of the metalworking fluid. In the long run, it’s not acceptable to have a lack of control of that sensitive bottleneck, when everything else in the industry is getting more advanced.
More semi-synthetics
As for water-miscible metalworking fluids, the trend will go even further towards the semi-synthetics ie emulsions with low oil content, finer oil droplets with good stability and sufficient lubricity. We can call it biocide- and boron-free generation 3.0, when the teething problems of the second generation are built away.
Veiled biocides
Unfortunately, we also see an increased number of relatively untested chemical additives on the market that primarily is said to have a different effect than to eliminate bacteria. Therefore, they doesn’t need to be called biocides although they exist in the product for that reason. Beware of these substances and loud announcements of "environmental friendliness" from chemical providers.
Formaldehyde releaser is phased out
Formaldehyde releaser as a biocide and boron in metalworking fluids will leave the scene in 2017. If anyone mentioned this three years ago, he or she would probably been declared an idiot.
(JÖ)
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