Resource consumption and process performance in minimum quantity lubricated milling of tool steel

The use of cutting fluids has driven performance improvements in metal machining. However these fluids have drawbacks including resources consumed and possible negative environmental consequences. Thus the study of coolant delivery rates is important. This work investigated the use of minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) in solid carbide milling of tool steel. A tool life improvement of 60 percent was demonstrated in comparison to dry cutting. Based on measurements and calculations made, MQL consumed cutting fluid at a rate less than 5 percent of that of a typical flooding coolant system, and was a low-consumption option in terms of electrical power.