Studies on chip morphology and modes of tool wear during machining of Ti-6Al-4V using uncoated carbide tool: application of multi-walled carbon nanotubes added rice bran oil as nanocutting fluid

Abstract

In this work, machining performance of Ti-6Al-4V is studied in consideration with cutting force, tool-tip temperature, tool wear mechanisms, chip morphology and roughness of the machined surface. Machining experiments are carried out by varying cutting speed (Vc) with constant feed and depth-of-cut. Uncoated WC-Co insert is used as cutting tool. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) added rice bran oil is utilized to produce nanofluid minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) environment. Chip morphology along with measurable geometrical parameters including chip-tool contact length, equivalent chip thickness (H ch), segmentation spacing, segmentation frequency, shear band width, shear angle, chip hardness, etc. are studied in detail. Effects of Vc on cutting force, tool-tip temperature, depth of flank wear, and area of crater wear are discussed. Different tool wear mechanisms are identified as well. It is experienced that nanofluid MQL (NFMQL) outperforms traditional dry cutting as well as conventional MQL in purview of improved process performance.