An experimental investigation into the effect of minimum quality lubricant on cutting temperature for machinability of AISI 9310 steel alloy

Industries and researchers are trying to reduce the use of coolant lubricant fluids in metal cutting to obtain safety, environmental and economical benefits. This work is focused on the effect of minimal quantity lubricant on chip-tool interface temperature under different cutting velocity and feed rate in turning of AISI 9310 steel. Chip-tool interface temperatures were measured for three different cooling types such as dry, wet and MQL conditions. An approach based on the process parameters were performed to identify the suitable MQL nozzle position for better cooling action. The minimum quantity lubrication was provided with a spray of air and oil. MQL machining was performed much superior compared to the dry and wet machining. It is clear from the obtained results that average chip-tool interface temperature increases with the increases in cutting velocity and feed rate for all three conditions. The chip-tool interface temperature values for MQL are lower than dry and wet conditions. The roles of variation of process parameters on percentage reduction of average interface temperature due to MQL have not been uniform. The effectiveness of the MQL was found to decrease with the increase in feed for more intimate chip-tool contact, but still more effective as compared to dry and wet conditions. Therefore, application of MQL at chip-tool interface is expected to improve upon the aforesaid machinability characteristics that play vital role on productivity, product quality and overall economy.