Experimental characterisation of the performance of hybrid cryo-lubrication assisted turning of Ti-6Al-4V alloy

In this work, sustainable hybrid cryogenic MQL cooling/lubrication techniques viz. Banque- Hilsch Vortex tube plus MQL (RHVT + MQL), liquid nitrogen plus minimum quantity lubrication (N2+MQL), and liquid nitrogen (N2) are presented for turning Ti-6Al-4V utilizing CVD coated carbide insert. The tool wear, surface roughness, micro-hardness, specific cutting energy, and chip morphology are considered under sustainable cooling conditions and compared with the dry condition. The outcome revealed that the N2+MQL reduced the tons of annual coolant consumption attaining smooth surface quality, minimum built-up-edges of chips, and tool wear. Besides, minimum specific cutting energy and surface hardness achieved under N2+MQL among all cooling conditions. This endeavor is peculiar integrating sustainability and machining perspective under advanced cooling techniques for industrial application of Ti-6Al-4V.

Automated summary

The research on turning Ti-6Al-4V using N2+MQL cooling technique showed promising results in reducing coolant consumption, achieving smooth surface quality, minimizing tool wear and cutting energy, making it a valuable method for industrial application.