Machining of Metal Matrix Composites with Minimum Quantity Cutting Fluid and Flood Cooling

Abstract

In the present work, minimum quantity cutting fluid (MQCF) technology was developed and applied for enhancing the machining performance by maintaining eco-friendly conditions. Machining experiments were carried on Al alloy/SiC metal matrix composite using cemented carbide tool with both MQCF and flood cooling. MQCF was effective in bringing down the forces, surface roughness, flank wear by ~17 %, ~5 %, ~12.5 % respectively compared to flood cooling. In MQCF, the consumption of cutting fluid is extremely low (10ml/min) compared to flood cooling (~ 400-600 ml/min). So, emission produced in MQCF are very less, which is eco-friendly.