An assessment of environmentally conscious lubrication techniques in grinding: use of minimum quantity lubrication, solid lubricants and cryogenic cooling

Abstract

The quality of work piece produced by the grinding operation greatly depends upon the heat generated due to friction and high specific energy of surface. The heat generated due to friction not only affects the integrity of work piece surface but also limits the applicability of the work piece material being ground. To overcome the effects of high heat generation in grinding, cooling and lubrication is generally provided. In this study, an effort is made to review the status on various newer, efficient and environment conscious lubrication techniques in grinding operation. It includes the method of minimising quantity of lubricants, application of solid lubricants and cryogenic cooling such techniques can reduce the cost and environmental hazards in grinding process and also leads towards the cleaner production. The performance and limitations of these methods of lubrication are highlighted here. The review also suggests some of the possible avenues of future research in cutting fluid application for grinding process.