Characterization and Optimization of Machinability and Environmental Impact of Machining of Ti-6Al-4V with Minimum Quantity Lubrication

Abstract

Minimum quantity lubrication has gained recent importance in high speed machining. However, more understanding and optimization of the MQL parameters remains a challenge to improve its performance. The main objective of this paper is to study the environmental impact and the machining performance of Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) in milling of Ti-6Al-4V. In this paper, the effect of MQL parameters; namely oil and air flow rate, nozzle orientation and nozzle distance on the machining performance was investigated and compared to flood and dry milling of titanium alloys. The machining performance was evaluated in terms of cutting forces, surface roughness and tool temperature. It was found that better machining performance and environmental impact was obtained using an optimized MQL jet.