Metal cutting theory foundations of near-dry (MQL) machining

Abstract

The costs of maintaining and eventually disposing of metal working fluids (MWF), combined with health and safety concerns, have led to a heightened interest in either eliminating MWF altogether or limiting the amount of MWF applied. The former process is known as dry machining while the latter is referred to as near-dry machining (NDM) or minimum quantity lubrication (MQL). This paper points out that non-system approach to NMD applications and misunderstanding of the metal cutting theory foundations of NDM significantly slowdown implementations of these seemingly attractive and cost-effective technologies. It reveals two major stages in implementations of NDM. It argues that the cutting theory stage should precede NDM application considerations. The fundamental problems associated with the reduction of the total energy required by the cutting system have to be solved at this first stage. The paper pointed out the principal directions in the future studies on NDM are discussed.