The influence of solid lubricant particle size on machining parameters in turning

Turning is one of the most fundamental and indispensable processes of metal removal in industry. The heat generated in the cutting zone during turning is critical in deciding the workpiece quality and tool life. Though cutting fluids are widely employed to carry away the heat in metal cutting, their usage poses threat to ecology and the health of workers. Hence, there arises a need to identify eco-friendly and user-friendly alternatives to conventional cutting fluids. Modern tribology has facilitated the use of solid lubricants. The present work features a specific study of the application of solid lubricant in turning. The process performance is judged in terms of cutting force, tool temperature, tool wear and the surface finish of workpiece, keeping the cutting conditions constant. The results obtained from the experiment show the effectiveness of the use of the solid lubricant as a viable alternative to dry and wet machining. The unique utility of solid lubricant is highlighted. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.