A note on the use of the minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) system in turning

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to provide a practical review of the use of the minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) system in turning operations, focussing on the application of the technique in the turning of different kind of materials. Design/methodology/approach -The use of the MQL system was analysed by several researchers in the past years. Thus, in the present paper, a relevant sample of the main experimental studies that can be found in the literature was analysed to come up with a review with relevant information for researchers and industry. Findings -The use of the MQL system can help to improve the outcomes of the turning process in several issues like surface quality or tool life. However, it was also recognised that in some cases, other cooling/lubricating methods can provide better results than the MQL system. Thus, the decision, whether to use or not the MQL system in a specific process, is of great importance. Originality/value -The work is conveniently focussed to serve as a quick reference on the issue. At the same time, the work analysed the use of the turning of some of the main engineering materials that makes it useful for a wider range of researchers and metalworking firms. Finally, the review could be useful to improve the performance of the industry, especially for the metalworking firms in terms of costs, environmental impact and safety.

Repairing Hybrid Mg–Al–Mg Components Using Sustainable Cooling Systems

“…Therefore, when magnesium-containing hybrid components are going to be mechanized, it is necessary to take certain security measures regarding the lubricants or coolant systems employed. Depending on the material or materials with which magnesium is combined, different lubrication/cooling techniques can be used [17,18] both individually (dry machining [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31], minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) [30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42], solid lubrication [43][44][45][46][47], cryogenic cooling [48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55], gaseous cooling [56][57][58][59][60][61], nanofluids …”

Behaviour of a biocompatible titanium alloy during orthogonal micro-cutting employing green machining techniques

“…Amongst these solutions, the minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) system has been employed because it maintains the reduction of friction, temperature and others, functioning in harmony with wet machining with its lower consumption of cutting fluids and absence of damage to the machined surface and/or the production. Furthermore, for the MQL system, flow rates can be reduced up to 10,000times when compared to wet machining [16].…”

Effects of cutting speed on tool nose wear with ACE-MQL aerosol at optimum-temperature

“…Similar to many other researchers, they also claim that, MQL causes improvements in tool life, cutting forces, and surface roughness. In their research [25] have stated that, though MQL has given better results in certain conditions, there are other instances where the MQL system has given poor results than certain popular cooling methods. Similar results were seen by [9].…”