Experimental study of minimum quantity lubrication effect on compacted graphite iron machining

Abstract

The cost effective and environmentally sensitive process improvement of compacted graphite iron (CGI) is one of the major concerns of today?s manufacturing world due to the allure of mechanical properties of CGI. This study is assessed the efficiency of minimum quantity lubricant (MQL) in CGI turning when compared to the dry cutting condition. The turning test were conducted in a wide range of cutting parameters, which are three different cutting speed (100, 200, 300 m/min) and feed rates (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 mm/rev) at constant 1mm depth of cut. The MQL efficiency is evaluated through cutting force and surface roughness measurements, optical and SEM analysis of chip formation and tool wear analysis. Results showed that MQL usage provided nearly no reduction in the amount of cutting forces, whereas 25% in surface roughness and significant 30% in crater wear. SEM analysis also revealed much clearer and smooth cutting edges on tool surfaces in MQL used tests.