Evaluation of near-dry machining effects on gear milling process efficiency

One of the main environmental pollution sources related to machine building industry is the huge amount of cutting fluids which are supplied during the machining processes. In order to avoid the problems induced by cutting fluids' usage. considerable progress has been recently made in the field of near-dry machining (NDM). Converting conventional processes to minimal quantity lubrication (MQL) methods imposes new tasks' classification within the tribiological system in order to guarantee the process safety and product quality. This paper gives an overview on some requirements to be considered for a successful MQL application into industrial practice. Its last part is focused on the evaluation of NDM effects on the gear milling process efficiency, with respect to hob wear, surface quality, cooling effect, and environment protection. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.