This study formulated maize-starch based cutting fluids and determined the performance of the cutting fluids for use in turning AISI 304 stainless steel with P35 coated carbide tool. This was with a view to determining the effect of the maize-starch based cutting fluids on power consumption and temperature developed at the tool-workpiece interface during turning of AISI 304 stainless steel using P35 coated carbide tool. The results showed that the temperature at the cutting zone increase with increase in depth of cut while the power consumed decreased with increase in the cutting fluid flow rate. At the best machining data point, maize-starch based cutting fluid showed reduced temperatures and power consumed as compared to the conventional cutting fluids used for the study: 34oC and 0.735 W for maize starch mixed with soluble oil, 40oC and 0.733 W for maize starch mixed with coconut oil respectively. Corresponding values for straight coconut oil were 47.5oC and 0.942 W and for soluble oil mixed with water, 37.5oC and 1.729 W, respectively. It is concluded that maize-starch based cutting fluids are effective in reducing the temperature and power consumed during cylindrical turning. The results indicated that maize-starch mixed with soluble oil has remarkable potentials for use as a cutting fluid.

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