Effect of cooling methods on cutting temperature, cutting force and hole quality in drilling of three ferrous alloys

Abstract

This paper presents the experimental results of an investigation into the effects of the cooling methods used on cutting temperature, cutting force and hole quality while drilling three ferrous alloys: alloy steel AISI 4340, medium-carbon steel AISI 1045 and stainless steel AISI 316L. HSS drill bits were used with different cutting conditions. Three cooling methods were compared: cryogenic, minimum quality lubrication (MQL) and flood cooling. The drilling operations were evaluated with respect to a number of evaluation parameters, such as cutting temperature (average and maximum temperature), cutting force (drilling thrust and torque) and hole quality (size variation, size tolerance, circularity and surface roughness). Results revealed that the cooling methods had a notable influences on the parameters investigated. However, the extent of the influence depended on the work material, and which coolant was being used. MQL produced the best results in terms of cutting force and surface roughness. With respect to the remaining parameters, they were similar to traditional flood cooling.