Experimental Investigations and Selection of Solid Lubricant Assisted Lubrication Strategy in Machining with the Use of PROMETHEE

Abstract

Manufacturing sector is always looking to find out an alternative in order to develop sustainable process. Machining plays a very important role in today’s manufacturing sector. In order to avoid the problems caused by heat generated in machining, conventional coolant has been applied. The large quantity of these fluids causes environmental damage and also adding total production cost. In this context, the present work focuses on application of minimum quantity lubrication combined with the solid lubricants. Performance of calcium fluoride and molybdenum disulphide as solid lubricant is assessed with different concentration and particle size mixed with SAE 40 oil on response parameters like surface roughness, power consumption, chip-tool interface temperature and flank wear. In order to select best suitable lubricating combination, PROMETHEE a multiple attribute decision-making method is applied. Comparison of results revealed the effectiveness of calcium fluoride as solid lubricant over other machining conditions and minimum quantity lubrication (MQL). Ranking available from the PROMETHEE can be considered as feasible lubrication alternative in machining as compared to conventional fluid cooling. The results of the work will be useful to explore the possibility to consider the solid lubricants as an efficient alternative to cutting fluids.