Experimental evaluation on the effect of minimal quantities of lubricant in milling

Implementation of stricter Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations associated with the use of ample amount of flood coolant has led to this study on minimal quantities of lubrication (MQL) technique on milling of ASSAB 718 HH steel at 35 HRc with uncoated carbide inserts while the MQL amount and flood coolant flow rate were 8.5 ml h⁻¹ and 42,000 ml min⁻¹, respectively. Unlike fracture in flood cooling or flaking in dry cutting the MQL used aided inserts were still in serviceable condition despite the presence of higher width of flank wear. Analyses of the cutting force, surface roughness, chip shape and EDX findings reveal that MQL may be considered as an economical and environmentally compatible lubrication technique for low speed, feed rate and depth of cut.