Investigation to Study the Applicability of Solid Lubricants in Machining for Clean and Green Manufacturing

Abstract

Purpose – The quality of the surface being machined and tool life are greatly affected by heat generated during machining. Abundant use of cutting fluid leads to higher production rates and a threat for environment and worker’s health. Hence, the need is to identify eco-friendly lubricants. The purpose of the current work is to investigate the effects of solid lubricants (boric acid and molybdenum disulphide) mixed with oil during turning of EN-31 using cemented carbide tools. The concentration of solid lubricants in oil is varied to analyze output parameters such as surface roughness, process temperature, power consumption and tool wear. Design/methodology/approach – EN 31 steel material is machined at various cutting speeds and constant feed and depth of cut to determine the effects of dry, wet and solid lubricant assisted machining. Findings – Experimental study revealed that the solid lubricants performed better while machining and therefore it may be considered as environment friendly and cost effective way of lubrication as compared to flood cooling. Research limitations/implications – The work can be extended to identify the effects of solid lubricants on micro hardness and cutting force. Practical implications – From the findings of the work, solid lubricants may be considered as suitable choice as compared to fluid cooling because it improves process performance without much affecting the environment and worker’s health. Originality/value – So far the use of solid lubricants in machining is limited. The results of the work will be useful to explore various efficient way to apply solid lubricants.