Experimental Investigation on Effects of MQL on Surface Finish and Tool Wear in Turning of SAE 1018

Abstract

In all machining processes, tool wear is a major problem and it leads to tool failure. In metal industries, the use of cutting fluids affects both employee’s health and environmental pollution. But the use of cutting fluids becomes necessary to keep tight tolerances and to maintain the work-piece surface properties without damages. Researchers are trying to reduce the use of coolant lubricant fluids in metal cutting to obtain environmental safety. So, to minimize the use of cutting fluids new cutting techniques are investigated. Minimal quantity of Lubrication (MQL) is a recent technique introduced in machining to obtain less tool wear and environment safety. The minimum quantity lubrication was provided with a spray of mixture of air and vegetable oil at suitable pressure. MQL machining was performed much superior compared to dry and wet machining due to substantial reduction in tool wear and cutting zone temperature and a better surface finish. MQL provides neat and clean environment avoiding health hazards due to smoke, fumes and gases etc. In this study work-piece of SAE 1018 were prepared to investigate their Surface finish under turning with coated tool bits. Wear of nose radius of tool bits were analyzed by SEM which results in less wear in MQL process as compared to flood cooling.