VDI 3397 Blatt-1 2020-03 PDF

Full title and description

VDI 3397 Blatt 1:2020-03 — Processing media (PM) for forming and machining. German title: "Bearbeitungsmedien (BM) für die Umformung und Zerspanung - Kühlschmierstoffe, Umformschmierstoffe, Minimalmengenschmierstoffe, Multifunktionsöle". The guideline presents tasks, properties and requirement profiles for processing/metal-working fluids and gives decision support for selecting coolants, forming lubricants, minimum‑quantity fluids and multifunctional oils.

Abstract

This VDI guideline summarises tasks, requirements and classification criteria for processing media used in forming and machining. It updates and broadens previous rules (formerly DIN 51385) to include forming lubricants, multifunctional fluids and media for minimum‑quantity lubrication, providing material- and technically‑based selection support for machine builders and manufacturing technologists.

General information

• Status: Current (technical guideline).
• Publication date: March 2020 (2020-03; published 01 March 2020).
• Publisher: Verlag des Vereins Deutscher Ingenieure (VDI).
• ICS / categories: 75.100 (Chemistry, lubricants and related materials).
• Edition / version: VDI 3397 Blatt 1:2020-03 (replaces VDI 3397 Blatt 1:2007-05).
• Number of pages: 31.

Key bibliographic and status details as published by VDI and technical distributors.

Scope

VDI 3397 Blatt 1 applies to processing media for machining and forming of metallic and non‑metallic materials. It describes the functions and property requirements of different media, outlines parameters for cooling and lubrication performance, and provides guidance on classification, testing, safety, environmental and disposal aspects. The guideline is intended to be used together with the other sheets of the VDI 3397 series and with related machine‑design and lubricant standards.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and classification of processing media (BM/PM) into four main groups: metal‑working coolants, forming fluids, minimum‑quantity fluids (MQL), and multifunctional oils.
• Performance parameters: cooling capacity, lubricity, film strength, corrosion protection and contamination stability.
• Material‑compatibility and application guidance for machining vs. forming operations.
• Testing and property descriptors for water‑miscible and non‑water‑miscible media.
• Health and safety requirements, handling and workplace exposure considerations.
• Environmental, legal and disposal requirements for spent processing media.
• Reference to machine‑tool design and peripheral requirements for safe and effective use of processing media (see related standards).

Typical use and users

Primary users are machine manufacturers, production and manufacturing technologists, lubricant and coolant suppliers, occupational health & safety officers, and environmental managers in metalworking and forming industries. The guideline is used when specifying coolants/fluids for machines, designing coolant supply and filtration systems, selecting MQL solutions, and establishing safety and disposal procedures.

Related standards

Intended to be read with other sheets of VDI 3397 (Blätter 2–4) and with machine‑design and lubricant standards such as VDI 3035 and former DIN specifications (e.g., DIN 51385); it replaces earlier VDI 3397 Blatt 1 editions (2007) and incorporates developments from the revised DIN framework.

Keywords

processing media; metalworking fluids; coolants; forming lubricants; minimum‑quantity lubrication (MQL); multifunctional oils; coolant selection; machining; forming; health & safety; environmental disposal.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: VDI 3397 Blatt 1 is a VDI guideline (technical rule) that defines tasks, requirement profiles and selection guidance for processing media used in forming and machining operations.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers classification of processing media, performance parameters (cooling, lubrication, corrosion protection), testing descriptors for water‑miscible and non‑miscible media, workplace safety, environmental and disposal requirements, and application guidance for machining and forming.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Machine builders, manufacturing engineers, lubricant/coolant suppliers, occupational safety and environmental personnel, and laboratories involved in coolant testing and specification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2020-03 edition is the current VDI 3397 Blatt 1; it replaces the 2007 edition and subsequent drafts/working drafts. Users should check VDI updates for any later revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is the first sheet of the VDI 3397 series and is intended to be used alongside VDI 3397 Blätter 2, 3 and 4 and related machine‑tool and lubricant standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Processing media, metalworking fluids, coolants, forming lubricants, MQL, multifunctional oils, coolant selection, machining and forming.