Robust Design of Using MWCNTs in Minimum Quantity Lubrication

This objective of this article is to present a new technique of nanofluids/MQL in high speed milling by using MWCNTs. In the past, studies have shown the MQL process can improve tool life and surface accuracy in high speed cutting. The purpose of using carbon nanotubes is to increase the thermal conductivity of cutting fluid and to reduce the temperature during the cutting and decrease the thermal wear of tool. The proposed study is to investigate the characterization of the MWCNTs/nanofluids combined with MQL during the high speed milling of AISI 1050 and AISI P21 experimentally. The Taguchi robust design was also used to optimize the parameters of nozzle with respect to tool feed direction, such as spraying distance, angle of ejection, and relative locations for improving the MWCNTs/MQL cutting effect. Experimental results showed the MWCNTs/nanofluid had the benefits of improving surface roughness and reducing wear of tool in high speed milling. The results were compared to dry cutting, and wet cutting in detail.