Review on Hard Machining with Minimal Cutting Fluid Application

Abstract

In the manufacturing industry there is always a concern for reducing the production cost. The process of producing hard components requires different stages of machining, heat treatment, finish grinding etc. Hard machining is opted to reduce processing time and to improve the production efficiency. Hard machining involves machining of work parts in their hardened state to the required near net size, hence it requires tough machine tools as well as ultra-hard cutting tools. To reduce the cutting forces and cutting temperature during machining, cutting fluids are used. The use of cutting fluids in large quantities affect the shop floor environment and health of workers associated with the machining process. So there is always an urge to reduce the use of cutting fluids during machining. Techniques like mist cooling, minimal cutting fluid application and minimal quantity lubrication systems came into existence since last 3 decades. Serious research is going on in the area of cutting fluid minimization for the past few years. This review paper deals with machining with minimal cutting fluid application (MCFA), which involves application of high velocity cutting fluid in the form of pulsed jet at the critical cutting zone. The heat generated in the critical zone is carried away by the high velocity cutting fluid and it also provides sufficient lubrication to reduce the cutting force. The former studies proved that this process is much efficient compared to dry and wet machining. This review is based on the research works carried out by various researchers in the field of minimal cutting fluid application.