by Bernard Martin

For over a century, Hangsterfer’s Laboratories has been at the forefront of metalworking fluid innovation, specializing in high-performance coolants, cutting oils, and lubricants. Founded in 1937, the company built its reputation on straight cutting oils designed for Swiss-style screw machines, earning the trust of precision manufacturers in medical, aerospace, and high-production machining.

Over the decades, Hangsterfer’s has expanded its product line to include water-soluble coolants, way lubricants, and bio-friendly formulations, all designed to optimize tool life, improve surface finishes, and enhance machine performance. Whether it’s deep-hole drilling, high-speed milling, or ultra-precision turning, Hangsterfer’s continues to be the go-to choice for machinists worldwide.

Hangsterfer’s product range includes specialized formulations designed to optimize machining performance across different applications.  Here's a quick summary of their more popular products:

Emulsifiable Oils: S-500 & S-500CF
S-500 is  Semi-synthetic and full synthetic coolants offering long sump life, excellent lubrication, and resistance to bacterial growth. Commonly used in high-speed CNC milling, turning, and Swiss-style machining. This Boeing approved product for general machining of all metals. Due to its extreme pressure (EP) properties, outstanding results have been generated on all metals, including nickel alloys, stainless steels and aluminum alloys. The S-500CF version is chlorine free with specially formulated anti-weld and anti-wear compounds for use on ferrous and non-ferrous metals especially aluminum alloys.

Semi-Synthetic: 5080 & 5040
Hangsterfer’s semi-sythetics, like 5080® are chlorine-free, vegetable based micro-emulsion semi-synthetic coolants that represents the Next Generation® in technology. The unique characteristics of thier semi-sythetics allow for excellent results high-pressure applications with exotic aerospace and medical alloys. The natural translucent formula provides good work piece visibility, very low consumption, and often reduces coolant consumption by more than 20%! 5080® is non-hazardous, non-toxic, contains no noxious chemicals, is low-odor, mild to the skin, does not damage paint, and is compatible with machine elastomers. Additionally, the 5040® low hydrocarbon formula utilizes special vegetable derived ingredients to achieve outstanding results in a wide variety of applications. The unique lubricity characteristics of 5040® allow for manufacturing of ferrous to non-ferrous materials.

Synthetic: Crystal Cut 322 & R-100
Crystal Cut ® 322 A Boeing approved full synthetic, which is excellent for machining and grinding of all materials, especially aerospace materials. Crystal Cut 322 is based on Alternative and Renewable Resources, and its unique formulation significantly eases the cutting process and also provides excellent corrosion and rust protection reducing oxidation of the freshly cut surfaces.  R-100: An excellent grinding synthetic, especially useful in Blanchard grinders and deburring tumblers. Hangsterfer’s R-100 is a full synthetic machining and grinding coolant. The transparent biostable formula offers extended sump life, reduced coolant consumption and minimal waste. R-100 is free of oil and grease while remaining transparent in both hard and soft water. It provides a unique cleaning action to help reduce wheel loading and leaves behind a thin corrosion inhibiting film.

Straight Cutting Oils: Hard-Cut 5418 & Hard-Cut NG
Hard-Cut® Series - Heavy-duty oils designed for deep-hole drilling, gun drilling, and high-pressure applications, particularly in aerospace and medical implant manufacturing. The Hard-Cut ® series is recognized as the ultimate in high quality cutting oils. Hard-Cuts are intended to make the hardest applications easier and more profitable by improving part quality and by reducing tooling costs. Hard-Cut 5418, an outstanding all-around cutting oil, can be used in Swiss-Style automatics, milling machines or light stamping. Hard-Cut NG is the Next Generation® of Hard-Cuts and contains an infused combination of synthetic and vegetable compounds and derivatives. Delivers extreme pressure and anti-wear additives to the tool work-piece interface without compromise to other features that you expect.

Way Lubricants
The full range of Hangsterfer’s WayOil series of products offers superior slideway adherence, stick-slip friction characteristics and complete water soluble coolant separation. WayOil 2 is formulated with high quality additives, resulting in products that meet or exceed international specifications established for slideway oils. By separating quickly and completely from your water soluble coolant, you will achieve the maximum in cutting performance and sump life. In addition, because they minimize water solubility, they are less likely to be prematurely washed off the ways. The Way Oil series is available in 5 viscosities that meet the International Standards Organization (ISO) viscosity requirements for machine lubricants..

Coolant Compatibility: Hangsterfer’s S-Series and Blaser Swisslube
One of the key advantages of Hangsterfer’s S-Series coolants, particularly S-500, is its ability to mix with certain Blaser Swisslube coolants without requiring a complete machine cleanout. Many shops have successfully transitioned by slowly introducing S-500 or S-500CF into their existing Blaser systems, reporting minimal foaming or separation issues. However, as with any coolant transition, it is recommended to conduct a small-scale test to ensure full compatibility before making a complete switch.

Machinists who have used Hangsterfer’s coolants and oils often share their experiences on forums like Practical Machinist, where real-world feedback highlights how these fluids perform in different applications. Many users praise S-Series coolants for their lubricity and tool life benefits, with one machinist noting, “We use S-500 and are satisfied with it. Great lubricity, easy on the machines. Life is indefinite.”

When it comes to Swiss machining and deep-hole drilling, Hard-Cut oils have earned a strong reputation for performance. One forum member recommended Hard Cut 5258 Light as “a great general-purpose cutting oil... I use it in my manual lathe and in brush-on applications.”

Beyond cutting fluids, Hangsterfer’s coolants are also known for their operator-friendly properties. Some machinists have reported that they’re gentler on the skin and produce less odor compared to other brands. As one user put it, “I have been running Hangsterfer's S-388 for years. It's been kind to my skin, virtually immortal, and quite effective for the kind of machining I do.”

From coolant longevity to cutting oil effectiveness, real-world shop experience continues to reinforce Hangsterfer’s reputation for reliability and performance across a wide range of machining applications.

Hangsterfer’s extensive range of coolants, cutting oils, and way lubricants makes them a versatile option for shops focused on performance, longevity, and compatibility. Whether you’re looking for a coolant that integrates well with existing systems, a high-performance cutting oil for Swiss machining, or a reliable waylube for precision movement, Hangsterfer’s has a solution tailored for your needs.

For shops considering a switch, tapping into machinist communities and conducting small-scale trials can help ensure a smooth transition with minimal downtime. To learn more or find out which lubricant is best for your shop get in contact with the team at Browne & Co to schedule a call.

Mentor, Ohio – Browne & Co., a leading manufacturers' representative agency specializing in metalworking and machining solutions, proudly announces its partnership with Hangsterfer’s Laboratories. Known for their advanced metalworking fluids and cutting-edge lubricants, Hangsterfer’s Laboratories is now part of the exceptional portfolio of brands represented by Browne & Co.

Hangsterfer’s Laboratories has been a trusted name in the industry since 1937, delivering high-performance solutions in metalworking fluids, cutting oils, machine lubricants, and coolant concentrates. Their products are engineered to optimize tool life, surface quality, and operational efficiency across a range of applications, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and precision machining industries.

“We are thrilled to welcome Hangsterfer’s Laboratories to our growing list of premium manufacturing partners,” said David Browne, President of Browne & Co. “Their commitment to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to provide best-in-class solutions to our clients. Together, we look forward to driving growth and improving performance in the industries we serve.”

Hangsterfer’s Laboratories brings a legacy of excellence, with products designed to meet stringent safety and environmental standards. Their formulations are REACH, RoHS, and SVHC compliant, featuring Next Generation® technology that enhances both productivity and sustainability.

Browne & Co. will leverage its industry expertise and extensive network to bring Hangsterfer’s premium products to manufacturing facilities across Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, Kentucky and West Virginia. Clients can now benefit from tailored solutions that improve machining efficiency, reduce downtime, and achieve superior results.

For more information about Hangsterfer’s Laboratories or to request a consultation, contact us!

About Browne & Co.
Browne & Co. is a trusted manufacturers' representative agency serving the metalworking, machining, and industrial sectors. With a focus on delivering cutting-edge products and unmatched customer service, Browne & Co. has built a reputation for excellence in helping clients optimize their manufacturing processes.