Experimental study of effect of minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) in turning AISI 1040 steel

Abstract

Minimum quantity lubncation refers to the use of cutting fluids of only a minute amount-tYPically of a flow rate of 50 to 500 ml/hour-which is about three to four orders of magnitude lower than the amount commonly used III flood Gaoling condition, where, for example, up 10 10 liters of flUid can be dispensed per minute. The corlcept of minimum quantity lubrication, sometimes referred to as near dry lubrication or micro lubrication, has , been suggested since a decade ago as a means of addressing the Issues of elwirollmelltal intrUSiveness and occupational hazards associated With the airborne culling fluid particles on factory shop floors. The minimization of cutting flUid also leads to economical benefits by way of saving lubricant costs and workpiece/tool/machine cleaning cycle time. Compared to the dry and wet machining, MOL machining performed many superiors mainly due to substantial reduction in culling zone temperature enabling favorable chip formation and chip-tool interaction, It also provides substantial reduction in tool wear, which enhanced the tool life, dimensional accuracy. Furthermore, it prOVides environment friendliness (maintaining neat, clean and dry working area, avoiding inconvenience and health hazards due to heat, smoke, fumes, gases etc. and preventing pollution of the surroundings) and Improves the machinability characteristics.