Case Studies

A precision manufacturer fabricating semiconductor equipment with 30 high precision CNC machines on site was using excess amounts of metalworking fluid to achieve the desired results. Not only was the coolant inefficient, it was also creating a foam issue during the high-pressure operations the manufacturer was conducting, with excess foam spilling from machines creating a health and safety issue. The fluid also failed to keep machines clean, and needed to be dumped and the machines cleaned every six months.

The semiconductor equipment manufacturer was recommended TRIM MicroSol 692XT, a high-lubricity, semisynthetic microemulsion coolant with a pending approval from Applied Materials^® for the semiconductor industry. Designed for extended sump life and improved bio-stability, 692XT is ideal for mixed-metal operations, and is compatible with a broad range of materials, including titanium, high-nickel alloys, steels, copper, and aluminum alloys. Its enhanced tramp oil rejection supports smoother production, while improved lubricity extends tool life.

Most importantly for this manufacturer, MicroSol 692XT is low foaming and is perfect for high-pressure systems. Offering strong corrosion protection across both ferrous and nonferrous metals, it keeps machines clean with a soft fluid film that reduces maintenance and requires no special disposal or recycling methods.

After a successful two-month trial, the company was very satisfied with the results of switching to TRIM MicroSol 692XT. Not only was the foam vastly reduced, machines were running cleaner, and sump life was doubled, meaning less machine downtime and a reduction in cost. Due to the simple disposal requirements of 692XT, environmental factors were less of a concern and the company enjoyed a considerable reduction in fluid disposal costs. Best of all, switching to 692XT led to a 25% reduction in coolant usage. Due to all these factors, the company switched their entire facility to TRIM MicroSol 692XT.