Which type of cutting fluid is acceptable for machining composite laminates?

Machining composite laminates often involves materials that are sensitive to heat and can be damaged by certain types of cutting fluids. Water is considered an acceptable type of cutting fluid for this purpose due to its ability to provide cooling without the potential adverse reactions that oils or solvents might have on the composite materials. Water-based cutting fluids help to dissipate heat during the machining process, reducing the risk of delamination or degradation of the composite structure.

Further, while oil-based fluids can have effective lubrication properties, they might not be suitable for composites because the oil could bind with the material or cause staining. Emulsion fluids, which are mixtures of water and oil, might also introduce a similar risk of reaction with the laminate. Solvent-based fluids can lead to deterioration of the matrix material, compromising the structural integrity of the composite. Given these considerations, water emerges as the safest and most effective choice when machining composite laminates, making it the correct answer for this context.