Recommended Product Categories
Find the right chemistry for your application. Explore the product categories commonly used in metalworking and fabrication operations to get started. Questions? Need a custom formulation?
Metalforming Lubricants
Lubricate and protect during stamping, drawing, and forming. Includes chlorinated and non-chlorinated fluids for ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Coolants & Grinding Fluids
Control heat, reduce friction, and flush chips in machining and grinding. Includes semi-synthetic, synthetic, and soluble oil-based fluids.
Solvent-Based Cleaners
Remove oils, lubricants, and surface contaminants before welding or secondary processing. Fast-drying with minimal residue.
Water-Based Cleaners
Clean parts, equipment, and floors with non-hazardous, low-VOC formulas. Effective for removing shop soils, coolants, and residues.
Rust & Surface Protection
Prevent corrosion on parts between steps or during storage. Includes steel corrosion inhibitors, dry film rust preventives, and oil-based protectives.
Paint, Ink & Coating Removers
Used for maintenance of tools, fixtures, or jigs with cured buildup. Includes paint removers, ink removers, and cleaning accelerators.
Common Problems We Solve
Below are some of the most common issues faced in metalworking and fabrication environments — along with solutions that align with our product categories and chemistries.
❌ Tool Wear and Galling During Forming
Insufficient lubrication during stamping or drawing causes tool wear, scoring, and part defects.
✅ Metal Forming Lubricants
Chlorinated and non-chlorinated fluids reduce friction and extend die and punch life on ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
❌ Excess Heat and Poor Surface Finish During Machining
Grinding or cutting generates heat, smoke, and inconsistent part quality.
✅ Coolants & Grinding Fluids
Synthetic and semi-synthetic fluids cool the cutting zone and improve surface finish during machining and grinding.
❌ Oil and Residue on Parts Before Welding or Coating
Surface contamination interferes with welds, paint adhesion, or sealant bonding.
✅ Solvent-Based Cleaners
Fast-drying degreasers remove cutting fluids and forming oils before downstream processing.
❌ Corrosion Between Fabrication Steps
Metal parts begin rusting between operations, affecting weld integrity and finish quality.
✅ Rust & Corrosion Inhibitors
Apply dry or oily films to prevent flash rust on steel surfaces in between stages.
❌ Cured Buildup on Jigs and Fixtures
Adhesives, sealants, or coatings accumulate on tooling over time.
✅ Paint & Coating Removers
Break down cured residues for faster maintenance of production equipment
PICO Customers in Metalworking & Fabrication
Companies in the metalworking and fabrication industry trust PICO to deliver performance, reliability, and process-friendly chemical solutions. Here are a few trusted manufacturers who rely on our workhorse products and expertise.
FAQs
Whether you’re forming, cutting, grinding, or cleaning metal parts, here are answers to common questions from manufacturers in metalworking and fabrication.
Applications & Compatibility
Can PICO coolants be used in both machining and grinding?
Yes. PICO offers fluids formulated for cutting, drilling, tapping, grinding, and general-purpose metal removal processes.
Do your metal forming lubricants work with aluminum and stainless steel?
Yes. Select chlorinated and non-chlorinated products are designed for ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Compatibility depends on metal type and operation.
Are your cleaners safe for use on mild steel and tool steel?
Most PICO water-based and solvent-based cleaners are safe for steel. Always review product data for material compatibility.
Regulatory & Compliance
Do your metalworking fluids meet low-VOC or environmental standards?
Yes. PICO offers several low-VOC and water-based options to support compliance with air quality and safety regulations.
Are your rust preventives safe for in-plant use?
Yes. Many steel corrosion inhibitors are non-hazardous and can be used without special ventilation or handling.
Customization & Supply
Can you help match a metalworking fluid to our stamping or cutting setup?
Yes. PICO can help identify or recommend fluids based on your operation, metal type, and process conditions.
What packaging sizes are available?
Most fluids are available in drums, totes, and bulk. Select cleaners and additives are also available in pails.
