Near-dry machining of 319 aluminum-silicon alloy

The use of metal removal fluids reduces friction between the cutting tool and the workpiece material---preventing tool wear and decreasing the adhesion of workpiece materials to the cutting edge. Due to both legal demands and environmental and health concerns, industrial awareness has motivated manufacturers to reduce the volume of their waste streams. A new environmentally friendly technique has been developed that feeds minimal quantities of lubricant to the tool's cutting edge---a method called Minimum Quantity of Lubrication (MQL). This experimental approach was created to help researchers comprehend the cutting performance of uncoated HSS, hydrogenated DLC and non-hydrogenated DLC during the drilling of 319 Al using a minimal quantity of distilled water and triglycerides. Cutting performance is assessed by measuring the torque and thrust forces generated during drilling. The results indicate that improved cutting performance is achieved in torque and thrust force responses when the triglycerides are used.