Dual-purpose fluid for cutting and electrical discharge machining

A machining fluid comprising:

• from 10 to 80% by weight of a water soluble organic compound selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycols having the formula
• HO--(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O).sub.n --H
• where n=1 to 24, propylene glycols having the formula
• HO--(CH.sub.2 --CH(CH.sub.3).sub.n --H
• where n=1 to 24, glycol monoethers having the formula
• RO--(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O).sub.n --H
• where R is an alkyl group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms or an aryl group and n=1 to 10, and polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters having the formula
• R.sub.2 --COO--(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.m --H
• where R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of aryl and C.sub.17 to C.sub.22 alkyl, and m=9 to 20;
• and
• the balance of the composition comprising deionized water having an electrical resistivity of at least 1.times.10.sup.6 ohm cm.