USDA Biopreferred Program
Product Category Specification Sheet
for
Metalworking Fluids

Governing Federal Regulation:

7 CFR 2902.41

Product Definition:

(1) Fluids that are designed to provide cooling, lubrication, corrosion prevention, and reduced wear on the contact parts of machinery used for metalworking operations such as cutting, drilling, grinding, machining, and tapping.

(2) Metalworking fluids for which preferred procurement applies are:

(i) Straight oils. Metalworking fluids that are not diluted with water prior to use and are generally used for meatlworking processes that require lubrication rather than cooling.
(ii) General purpose soluble, semi-synthetic, and synthetic oils. Metalworking fluids formulated for use in a re-circulating fluid system to provide cooling, lubrication, and corrosion prevention when applied to metal feedstock during normal grinding and machining operations.
(iii) High performance soluble, semi-synthetic, and synthetic oils. Metalworking fluids formulated for use in a re-circulating fluid system to provide cooling, lubrication, and corrosion jprevention when applied to metal feedstock during grinding and machining operations involving unusually high temperatures or corrosion potential.

Minimum Qualifying Biobased Carbon Content:

• Straight Oils - 66%, by weight, of total organic carbon
• General Purpose Soluble, Semi-Synthetic, and Synthetic Oils - 57%, by weight, of total organic carbon
• High Performance soluble, Semi-Synthetic, and Synthetic Oils - 40%, by weight, of total organic carbon

Federal Agency Compliance Date:

• General Purpose Soluble, Semi-Synthetic, and Synthetic Oils - 5/14/2009;
• High Performance Soluble, Semi-Synthetic, and Synthetic Oils - Deferred

EPA Regulatory Overlap:

NA

Exempt Product Applications:

NA

Comments:

Determination of the preference compliance date for metalworking fluids - high performance soluble, semi-synthetic, and synthetic oils is deferred until USDA identifies two or more manufacturers of biobased products within this sub-category. At any time, USDA will publish a document in the Federal Register announcing that Federal agencies have one year from the date of publication to give procurement preference to biobased metalworking fluids - high performance soluble, semi-synthetic, and synthetic oils.

USDA Biopreferred Program Product Categories...

Click on the desired product category to view its specifications.

• 2-Cycle Engine Oils

• Adhesive and Mastic Removers

• Bathroom and Spa Cleaners

• Bedding, Bed Linens, and Towels

• Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners

• Carpets

• Composite Panels

• Concrete and Asphalt Release Fluids

• Diesel Fuel Additives

• Disposable Containers

• Disposable Cutlery

• Dust Suppressants

• Fertilizers

• Films

• Firearm Lubricants

• Floor Strippers

• Fluid-Filled Transformers

• General Purpose De-Icers

• Glass Cleaners

• Graffiti and Grease Removers

• Greases

• Hand Cleaners and Sanitizers

• Laundry Products

• Lip Care Products

• Metalworking Fluids

• Mobile Equipment Hydraulic Fluids

• Penetrating Lubricants

• Plastic Insulating Foam for Residential and Commercial Construction

• Roof Coatings

• Sorbents

• Stationary Equipment Hydraulic Fluids

• Water Tank Coatings

• Wood and Concrete Sealers