Performance Assessment of Sustainable Machining Techniques

Abstract

One of the often used strategies in the machining process is to lower the cutting temperature and enhance the tool life with the application of cutting fluids. The application of conventional cutting fluids is wide spread and commonly found in industries. In spite of their advantages, the application of these conventional cutting fluids is not financially feasible because of their high disposal costs, non eco-friendly and also damages the operator’s health. In this context, alternative techniques to cutting fluids that can be more sustainable is the need of the hour. This work focuses on a comprehensive experimental investigation of such alternative techniques, including MQL (Minimum Quantity Lubrication) using vegetable oil-based hybrid nano fluids which are more environmentally friendly, and machining processes that are assisted by ultrasonic vibration without the use of cutting fluid. The study also highlights the advantages of these processes over machining using conventional cutting fluids and provides insights in to the available alternate techniques in terms of their machining performance. These approaches can be a better alternative option for reducing cutting forces, cutting temperatures, and tool wear while improving surface finish.

Keywords

• MQL
• Vegetable oils
• Nano fluids
• Hybrid nano fluids
• Ultrasonic machining

References

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