Cutting oil is the silent backbone of machining. It reduces heat, improves finish, extends tool life, and lowers rejection rates. While tooling usually accounts for only ~4% of manufacturing cost, fluids can take up 7–17% of the cost of a part.

The global cutting oil and metalworking fluid market was valued at USD 14.01 billion in 2024 and continues to grow steadily, driven by automotive, aerospace, and industrial demand.
This guide explains cutting oils, compares them with cutting fluids, explores their uses, and provides a comprehensive list of top manufacturers worldwide and in India.
Cutting Oil vs. Cutting Fluid
Feature | Cutting Oil (Neat Oil) | Cutting Fluid (Water-Mix) |
---|---|---|
Composition | Pure mineral/synthetic oil | Oil + water + additives |
Cooling capacity | Moderate | High (due to water) |
Lubrication | Excellent | Moderate to good |
Best used for | Tapping, reaming, broaching, deep-hole drilling | Milling, turning, grinding, high-speed machining |
Trend | Still common in severe machining | Dominant in general machining |
Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) is an emerging approach where tiny amounts of oil are sprayed directly at the tool-work interface. Studies report 25–60% tool life improvement and reduced fluid usage compared to flood cooling.
Uses of Cutting Oil
- Reduce friction & wear: extends tool life.
- Dissipate heat: prevents part deformation.
- Improve surface finish: smoother, accurate parts.
- Prevent corrosion: protects both the workpiece and the machine.
- Flush chips away: cleaner machining zone.
- Ensure operator safety: mist and fume control are key. The NIOSH REL for MWF aerosols is 0.4 mg/m³ (thoracic fraction).
Leading Cutting Oil Manufacturers

1. FUCHS Petrolub SE
- Founded: 1931, Mannheim, Germany
- Headquarters: Mannheim, Germany
- Products: Water-miscible coolants, neat cutting oils, grinding fluids
- Strengths: World’s largest independent lubricant manufacturer; global support and R&D; eco-friendly solutions
- Website: www.fuchs.com
2. Castrol (BP Group)
- Founded: 1899, UK
- Headquarters: Pangbourne, UK
- Products: Industrial cutting oils, soluble fluids, high-performance lubricants
- Strengths: Strong global brand; OEM partnerships; advanced R&D for aerospace and automotive
- Website: www.castrol.com
3. ExxonMobil (Mobil Lubricants)
- Founded: 1870 (as Standard Oil)
- Headquarters: Irving, Texas, USA
- Products: Mobilmet cutting oils, synthetic coolants
- Strengths: Wide global presence; premium-grade lubricants with long sump life
- Website: www.mobil.com
4. TotalEnergies (VALONA Series)
- Founded: 1924, France
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Products: Valona MS, chlorine-free cutting oils, emulsions
- Strengths: Focus on sustainability; compliance with REACH regulations; strong global distribution
- Website: www.totalenergies.com
5. Blaser Swisslube AG
- Founded: 1936, Switzerland
- Headquarters: Hasle-Rüegsau, Switzerland
- Products: Blasocut, Blasogrind, premium cutting oils, and coolants
- Strengths: Known for long tool life, excellent surface finishes, and technical labs worldwide
- Website: www.blaser.com
6. Quaker Houghton
- Founded: Merger of Quaker Chemical & Houghton Intl. (2019)
- Headquarters: Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA
- Products: Neat oils, water-miscible coolants, forming fluids
- Strengths: Largest dedicated metalworking fluids company; global footprint; advanced technical service
- Website: www.quakerhoughton.com
7. Hangsterfer’s Laboratories
- Founded: 1937, USA
- Headquarters: Mantua, New Jersey, USA
- Products: S500, S100, high-performance cutting and grinding oils
- Strengths: Aerospace and medical approvals; REACH-compliant; ISO-certified facilities
- Website: www.hangsterfers.com
8. BPCL (Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd.) – MAK Lubricants
- Founded: 1952, India
- Headquarters: Mumbai, India
- Products: Soluble cutting oils, neat oils under the MAK brand
- Strengths: Strong Indian presence; cost-effective solutions; OEM approvals
- Website: www.bharatpetroleum.com
9. Chevron Phillips (Texaco Lubricants)
- Founded: 1911 (Texaco, USA)
- Headquarters: San Ramon, California, USA
- Products: Texaco metalworking fluids, neat oils, emulsions
- Strengths: Long-standing industrial lubricant supplier; global presence
- Website: www.chevron.com
10. Shell Lubricants
- Founded: 1907, Netherlands/UK
- Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands
- Products: Shell Metalworking Fluids – neat oils, soluble oils
- Strengths: Global brand; advanced additive technologies; OEM partnerships
- Website: www.shell.com
11. Houghton International (Now Quaker Houghton)
- Founded: 1865, USA
- Headquarters: Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA
- Products: Hocut series, neat oils, soluble oils
- Strengths: Legacy brand with strong aerospace, automotive, and steel industry presence
- Website: www.quakerhoughton.com
12. Henkel (Bonderite)
- Founded: 1876, Germany
- Headquarters: Düsseldorf, Germany
- Products: Bonderite cutting and machining fluids
- Strengths: Specialty chemicals expertise; eco-friendly formulations; global industrial support
- Website: www.henkel.com
13. Master Fluid Solutions (TRIM®)
- Founded: 1951, USA
- Headquarters: Perrysburg, Ohio, USA
- Products: TRIM® cutting fluids, synthetics, emulsions
- Strengths: Focused on machining fluids; known for clean, long-lasting coolants
- Website: www.masterfluidsolutions.com
14. Valvoline Inc.
- Founded: 1866, USA
- Headquarters: Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Products: Industrial lubricants and cutting fluids
- Strengths: Trusted global brand; high availability; strong aftermarket presence
- Website: www.valvoline.com
15. BP (British Petroleum Industrial Lubricants)
- Founded: 1908, UK
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Products: Metalworking fluids and lubricants (various brands, including Castrol)
- Strengths: Global energy giant with an industrial product line
- Website: www.bp.com
16. Petro-Canada Lubricants (HollyFrontier)
- Founded: 1975, Canada
- Headquarters: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
- Products: PURITY™, NEATCUT™, water-soluble oils
- Strengths: High-purity base oils; strong North American market presence
- Website: lubricants.petro-canada.com
17. Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.
- Founded: 1911, Japan
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Products: Neat cutting oils, water-soluble coolants
- Strengths: Japanese OEM approvals; strong in automotive and precision industries
- Website: www.idemitsu.com
18. JX Nippon Oil & Energy (ENEOS)
- Founded: 1888, Japan
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Products: ENEOS cutting oils, lubricants
- Strengths: Large Asian presence; advanced R&D for clean energy and fluids
- Website: www.eneos.co.jp
19. Klübersynth / Klüber Lubrication (FREUDENBERG Group)
- Founded: 1929, Germany
- Headquarters: Munich, Germany
- Products: Specialty lubricants, cutting oils for niche applications
- Strengths: High-performance specialty lubricants; custom formulations
- Website: www.klueber.com
20. Rhenus Lub GmbH & Co KG
- Founded: 1882, Germany
- Headquarters: Mönchengladbach, Germany
- Products: Rhenus cutting fluids, neat and water-soluble oils
- Strengths: Known for eco-friendly, high-performance MWFs; strong EU presence
- Website: www.rhenuslub.de
21. MotulTech (Motul Group)
- Founded: 1853, France
- Headquarters: Aubervilliers, France
- Products: MotulTech cutting and grinding fluids
- Strengths: Motorsports lubricant expertise applied to industrial fluids; innovation-driven
- Website: www.motul.com
22. BPCL Petrofer (Joint Venture: BPCL + Petrofer Chemie)
- Founded: 2008, India-Germany JV
- Headquarters: Mumbai, India
- Products: Neat cutting oils, soluble cutting fluids
- Strengths: Combination of Indian distribution + German technology
- Website: www.hardcastlepetrofer.com
23. Chevron Oronite (Additives arm)
- Founded: 1917, USA
- Headquarters: Richmond, California, USA
- Products: Additives for cutting oils and lubricants
- Strengths: Focus on additive technology to improve fluid stability, oxidation resistance
- Website: www.oronite.com
24. BPCL Industrial Oils (MAK Brand)
- Founded: 1952, India
- Headquarters: Mumbai, India
- Products: MAK Soluble Cutting Oils, general-purpose machining fluids
- Strengths: Cost-effective solutions for Indian workshops and SMEs
- Website: www.bharatpetroleum.in
25. Motorex AG (Bucher-Motorex)
- Founded: 1917, Switzerland
- Headquarters: Langenthal, Switzerland
- Products: Motorex Swisscut series, grinding and cutting oils
- Strengths: Precision fluids for high-end industries (watchmaking, aerospace, medical)
- Website: www.motorex.com
26. Yushiro Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
- Founded: 1944, Japan
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Products: Yushirocut series, neat oils, water-soluble fluids
- Strengths: Leading supplier to the Japanese automotive and steel industries; eco-friendly solutions
- Website: www.yushiro.co.jp
27. Quaker Chemical Corporation (Now Quaker Houghton)
- Founded: 1918, USA
- Headquarters: Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA
- Products: QUAKERCOOL®, QUINTOLUBRIC® fluids
- Strengths: Strong reputation in metalworking, hydraulic fluids, and sustainable chemistries
- Website: www.quakerhoughton.com
28. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)
- Founded: 1974, India
- Headquarters: Mumbai, India
- Products: HP Neat Cutting Oils, Soluble Cutting Oils
- Strengths: Large distribution network; affordable, widely used in Indian MSMEs
- Website: www.hindustanpetroleum.com
29. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (Servo Industrial Lubricants)
- Founded: 1959, India
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Products: ServoCut oils, soluble cutting fluids
- Strengths: Government-backed reliability; high availability in India
- Website: www.iocl.com
30. Shell (Shell Lubricants & Coolants)
- Founded: 1907, Netherlands
- Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands
- Products: Shell Metalworking Fluids, cutting oils
- Strengths: Global energy leader with premium lubricant portfolio
- Website: www.shell.com
31. ExxonMobil (Mobilcut Series)
- Founded: 1999 (merger of Exxon & Mobil), USA
- Headquarters: Irving, Texas, USA
- Products: Mobilcut soluble oils, neat oils
- Strengths: Advanced R&D, wide global distribution, OEM-approved
- Website: www.exxonmobil.com
32. Fina Lubricants (TotalEnergies)
- Founded: 1920s, Belgium/France
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Products: TOTAL Folia, cutting oils, grinding fluids
- Strengths: Focus on water-based, plant-derived machining fluids
- Website: www.totalenergies.com
33. Sunoco LP (Sunoco Lubricants)
- Founded: 1886, USA
- Headquarters: Dallas, Texas, USA
- Products: Industrial lubricants, specialty cutting oils
- Strengths: Strong supply chain in North America; budget-friendly fluids
- Website: www.sunocolubricants.com
34. Phillips 66 Lubricants
- Founded: 1917, USA
- Headquarters: Houston, Texas, USA
- Products: Phillips 66 Metalworking Fluids
- Strengths: Established US energy brand; reliable formulations for machining
- Website: www.phillips66lubricants.com
35. Gulf Oil International
- Founded: 1901, USA (now HQ in London)
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Products: Gulfcut cutting oils, soluble fluids
- Strengths: Iconic oil brand; known for cost-effective lubricants in emerging markets
- Website: www.gulfoilltd.com
36. BASF SE (Chemical Division)
- Founded: 1865, Germany
- Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
- Products: Additives for metalworking fluids, synthetic lubricants
- Strengths: Innovation-driven chemistry giant; additive supplier to OEMs and blenders
- Website: www.basf.com
37. Petronas Lubricants International
- Founded: 2008 (consolidation), Malaysia
- Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Products: Petronas Cutting Fluids, Iona series
- Strengths: Strong presence in Asia-Pacific; motorsports technology transfer
- Website: www.pli-petronas.com
38. Caltex Lubricants (Chevron brand)
- Founded: 1936, USA–Saudi JV (now part of Chevron)
- Headquarters: San Ramon, California, USA
- Products: Caltex cutting oils, machining fluids
- Strengths: Well-trusted in Asia and Africa; strong after-sales support
- Website: www.caltex.com
39. Lubrizol Corporation (Berkshire Hathaway)
- Founded: 1928, USA
- Headquarters: Wickliffe, Ohio, USA
- Products: Additives for metalworking fluids, specialty chemicals
- Strengths: Key global supplier of additive technology for formulators
- Website: www.lubrizol.com
40. Croda International Plc
- Founded: 1925, UK
- Headquarters: East Yorkshire, UK
- Products: Bio-based esters, additives for cutting oils
- Strengths: Sustainability leader; natural chemistry for eco-friendly formulations
- Website: www.croda.com
41. Eastern Petroleum Pvt. Ltd.
- Founded: 1964, India
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Products: Neat cutting oils, soluble cutting oils, synthetic fluids
- Strengths: Wide industrial range, ISO-certified, cost-effective solutions
- Website: www.easternpetroleum.in
42. Witmans Industries Pvt. Ltd.
- Founded: 1989, India
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Products: Witcol series – neat and water-soluble cutting oils
- Strengths: Focus on specialty lubricants, customized fluids for metalworking
- Website: www.witmansgroup.com
43. Venlub Petro Products Pvt. Ltd.
- Founded: 1996, India
- Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Products: Venlub cutting oils, soluble oils, neat machining oils
- Strengths: Strong South India market; reliable after-sales support
- Website: www.venlub.com
44. Steel Plant Specialities (SPS)
- Founded: 1985, India
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Products: Rust preventive oils, cutting fluids, forging lubricants
- Strengths: Specialized in steel and heavy industries; niche product formulations
- Website: www.steelplantspecialities.com
45. Cumi Murugappa Group (Carborundum Universal Ltd.)
- Founded: 1954, India
- Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Products: Metalworking fluids, grinding and cutting oils
- Strengths: Leading abrasives manufacturer; fluids designed for precision machining
- Website: www.cumi-murugappa.com
46. Raj Petro Specialities Pvt. Ltd. (A Brenntag Group Company)
- Founded: 1988, India
- Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Products: Lupromax cutting oils, soluble oils
- Strengths: Now backed by Brenntag; global standards with Indian reach
- Website: www.rajpetro.com
47. Apar Industries Ltd.
- Founded: 1958, India
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Products: Transformer oils, industrial lubricants, cutting oils
- Strengths: Publicly listed, diversified industrial solutions
- Website: www.apar.com
48. Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd. (Govt. of India Enterprise)
- Founded: 1867, India
- Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal
- Products: Balmerol cutting fluids, soluble oils
- Strengths: PSU reliability; trusted across government and heavy industries
- Website: www.balmerlawrie.com
49. Lubeco Green Fluids
- Founded: 2013, India
- Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Products: Bio-based cutting fluids, vegetable-oil-based lubricants
- Strengths: Eco-friendly and biodegradable formulations; growing fast in the sustainable segment
- Website: www.lubeco.in
50. IPOL Lubricants (Savita Oil Technologies Ltd.)
- Founded: 1961, India
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Products: IPOL cutting oils, neat oils, soluble oils
- Strengths: Strong dealer network; recognized industrial lubricant brand in India
- Website: www.ipollubricants.com
51. Veedol India Ltd.
- Founded: 1928, India (earlier part of Tidewater Oil)
- Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal
- Products: Industrial lubricants, including cutting oils
- Strengths: Established brand; broad automotive + industrial portfolio
- Website: www.veedolindia.com
52. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (MAK Lubricants)
- Founded: 1952, India
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Products: MAK Soluble Cutting Oils, Neat Cutting Oils
- Strengths: Pan-India availability; trusted PSU brand
- Website: www.bharatpetroleum.in
53. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HP Lubricants)
- Founded: 1974, India
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Products: HP Neat Cutting Oils, HP Soluble Oils
- Strengths: India’s second-largest PSU oil company; high market penetration
- Website: www.hplubricants.in
54. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (Servo)
- Founded: 1959, India
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Products: ServoCut, ServoSol, machining fluids
- Strengths: India’s largest oil company; massive supply network
- Website: www.iocl.com
55. Castrol India Ltd.
- Founded: 1910, India (subsidiary of BP)
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Products: Castrol cutting fluids, neat oils
- Strengths: Strong automotive + industrial brand recall; premium segment
- Website: www.castrol.co.in
56. Anand Oil Company
- Founded: 1988, India
- Headquarters: Delhi, India
- Products: Cutting oils, lubricants, greases
- Strengths: Mid-sized player; known for affordable industrial oils for SMEs
- Website: www.anandoilcompany.com
57. Paras Lubricants Ltd.
- Founded: 1985, India
- Headquarters: Delhi, India
- Products: High-performance cutting oils, hydraulic, and gear oils
- Strengths: ISO-certified; broad product portfolio
- Website: www.parasoil.com
58. Raj Lubricants (RLOIL)
- Founded: 1990, India
- Headquarters: Gujarat, India
- Products: Neat and soluble cutting oils, industrial lubricants
- Strengths: Competitive pricing; strong presence in Western India
- Website: www.rloil.com
59. Crown Oil & Petroleum India
- Founded: 1989, India
- Headquarters: Maharashtra, India
- Products: Cutting oils, metalworking fluids, greases
- Strengths: Focused on customized industrial lubricants
- Website: www.crownoilindia.com
60. Lubz Corporation (India) Ltd.
- Founded: 1982, India
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Products: Lubzcut cutting oils, soluble oils
- Strengths: Decades of experience; medium-scale supplier
- Website: www.lubzcorporation.com
61. Mahatha Petroleum Pvt. Ltd.
- Founded: 1995, India
- Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra
- Products: Cutting fluids, lubricants, industrial oils
- Strengths: Supplies to local auto-component industries
- Website: www.mahathapetroleum.com
62. Tractor Engineers Ltd. (TEL)
- Founded: 1969, India
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Products: Metalworking oils, cutting fluids, lubricants
- Strengths: Caterpillar group company; engineering-focused lubricants
- Website: www.telcobpl.com
63. Gandhar Oil Refinery (India) Ltd. (Divyol Brand)
- Founded: 1992, India
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Products: Divyol cutting oils, transformer oils, white oils
- Strengths: Large exporter; diversified petroleum products
- Website: www.gandharoil.com
64. Savsol Lubricants (Savita Oil Technologies Ltd.)
- Founded: 1961, India
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Products: Cutting oils, automotive & industrial lubricants
- Strengths: Known for clean, reliable formulations; part of Savita Oil
- Website: www.savsol.com
65. Amines & Plasticizers Ltd. (APL)
- Founded: 1973, India
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Products: Cutting oil additives, specialty chemicals
- Strengths: Focus on additive chemistry for custom cutting fluids
- Website: www.amines.com
66. Bharat Lubricants Pvt. Ltd.
- Founded: 1980, India
- Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal
- Products: Industrial cutting oils, lubricants, and greases
- Strengths: Regional player; affordable solutions for SMEs
- Website: [No official website available]
67. Coral Lubricants Pvt. Ltd.
- Founded: 1990, India
- Headquarters: Delhi, India
- Products: Cutting oils, lubricants, greases
- Strengths: Supplies to both automotive and industrial sectors
- Website: www.corallubes.com
68. Oswal Industries Ltd.
- Founded: 1985, India
- Headquarters: Gujarat, India
- Products: Metalworking fluids, cutting oils, coolants
- Strengths: Presence in precision machining industries
- Website: www.oswalgroup.com
69. Divyol Lubricants (Gandhar Oil Brand)
- Founded: 1992, India
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Products: Divyol cutting oils and lubricants
- Strengths: Sub-brand of Gandhar Oil; cost-effective solutions
- Website: www.divyol.com
70. MotulTech India (Motul Group)
- Founded: 1853 (global), India operations in the 2000s
- Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra
- Products: MotulTech cutting oils, grinding fluids
- Strengths: Premium French formulations adapted for the Indian industry
- Website: www.motul.com/in
71. GP Petroleums Ltd. (Repsol JV)
- Founded: 1983, India
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Products: IPOL cutting oils, lubricants
- Strengths: Backed by Repsol technology; strong domestic presence
- Website: www.gppetroleums.co.in
72. Esterlube Oils Pvt. Ltd.
- Founded: 1996, India
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Products: Ester-based cutting oils, lubricants
- Strengths: Focus on synthetic ester chemistries for high performance
- Website: www.esterlube.com
73. Pennar Industries Ltd.
- Founded: 1988, India
- Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana
- Products: Cutting oils, hydraulic fluids, engineering products
- Strengths: Diversified engineering + lubricants portfolio
- Website: www.pennarindia.com
74. Servo Lubricants (Indian Oil Corporation)
- Founded: 1959, India
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Products: ServoCut, ServoSol series
- Strengths: India’s most recognized industrial oil brand
- Website: www.iocl.com
75. Tide Water Oil Co. (India) Ltd. (Veedol Brand)
- Founded: 1921, India
- Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal
- Products: Veedol cutting fluids, lubricants
- Strengths: Long-standing presence in the Indian market
- Website: www.tidewaterindia.com
76. Universal Lubricants Pvt. Ltd.
- Founded: 1990, India
- Headquarters: Gujarat, India
- Products: Cutting oils, greases, lubricants
- Strengths: Regional supplier with customized offerings
- Website: www.universallubricantsindia.com
77. Nandan Petrochem Ltd. (GP Global Group)
- Founded: 1992, India
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Products: Industrial oils, cutting fluids
- Strengths: Backed by GP Global; distribution strength
- Website: www.nplindia.com
78. Zoomol Lubricants Pvt. Ltd.
- Founded: 2001, India
- Headquarters: Rajkot, Gujarat
- Products: Zoomol cutting oils, greases, engine oils
- Strengths: Growing brand in the Gujarat industrial belt
- Website: www.zoomollubricants.com
79. Oswal Oil & Lubricants Pvt. Ltd.
- Founded: 2003, India
- Headquarters: Punjab, India
- Products: OswalCut cutting fluids, lubricants
- Strengths: Regional focus; cost-effective oils for SMEs
- Website: www.oswaloil.com
80. Pashupati Oil Industries Pvt. Ltd.
- Founded: 1990, India
- Headquarters: Madhya Pradesh, India
- Products: Cutting oils, industrial lubricants
- Strengths: Regional supplier; affordable solutions for small industries
- Website: www.pashupatioil.com
Cutting Oil Price in India
Cutting oil prices varies depending on type, formulation, and brand. On average:
- Mineral-based cutting oils: ₹120 – ₹180 per litre
- Semi-synthetic cutting oils: ₹200 – ₹280 per litre
- Fully synthetic cutting oils: ₹300 – ₹450 per litre
- Specialty ester-based fluids: ₹400 – ₹600 per litre
Prices also depend on the packaging size (5L, 20L, 210L barrels) and whether you buy from local distributors or directly from the manufacturer. Always compare technical data sheets (TDS) before purchase to ensure compatibility with your CNC or machine shop requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is cutting oil used for?
Cutting oil reduces friction, cools the tool and workpiece, improves surface finish, and extends tool life in machining operations.
Which type of cutting oil is best for CNC machines?
Semi-synthetic or fully synthetic cutting oils are preferred for CNC machines due to their stability, cooling efficiency, and cleaner operation.
Can cutting oil be reused?
Yes, with proper filtration and monitoring of oil quality, cutting oils can be reused. However, contamination or degradation may require replacement.
What is the difference between soluble oil and neat oil?
- Soluble oil: Emulsified with water, provides cooling and lubrication.
- Neat oil: Pure oil with no water dilution, used for high-pressure and precision cutting.
How often should the oil be changed?
It depends on usage, but generally, coolant life can range from a few weeks to several months if properly maintained and monitored.
Key Takeaways
- Cutting oils are critical for CNC machining, tool life, and product quality.
- Top global brands include Castrol, ExxonMobil, Shell, Fuchs, MotulTech, and Blaser Swisslube.
- Leading Indian brands include HP Lubricants, IOC Servo, Bharat Petroleum, Balmer Lawrie, and Veedol.
- Prices range between ₹120 and ₹600 per litre, depending on formulation.
- Choosing the right oil depends on the machining process, material, and equipment.
The Role of CNC Monitoring in Cutting Oil Efficiency

Even the best cutting oil will not deliver results if machines are not appropriately monitored. CNC monitoring systems help manufacturers:
- Track spindle load, temperature, and tool wear in real time.
- Detect abnormal coolant flow or cutting oil pressure.
- Prevent tool breakage and reduce unplanned downtime.
- Extend the life of cutting oils through predictive maintenance.
By combining high-quality cutting oils with CNC monitoring technology, manufacturers can achieve higher productivity, lower maintenance costs, and consistent product quality.
Conclusion
Cutting oil is more than just a lubricant – it is a vital contributor to the success of modern machining. With so many manufacturers in the global and Indian markets, buyers have a wide choice ranging from premium international brands to cost-effective domestic suppliers.
Whether you run a small job shop or a large-scale CNC plant, choosing the right cutting oil – and maintaining it properly – can save hours of downtime and improve profitability.