Abstract
Use of cutting fluids during machining process possesses a significant threat to environmental as well as operator’s health. Application of minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) to the machining operation significantly reduces the volume of cutting fluid along with reduction in machining forces. MQL influences the surface integrity of the machined workpiece too. The present work examines the effect of MQL application on surface integrity issues like surface roughness and subsurface hardness along with the tool wear, during turning of hardened EN 31 steel using a coated tungsten carbide insert. It could be observed that cutting in MQL conditions provided a better surface finish and low flank wear when compared with machining without MQL. The study of the microhardness profile in the subsurface region also showed that the workpiece turned with MQL had a crust with lower hardness than a workpiece turned without MQL. This would result in higher fatigue life of the hard-turned component.
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