Analyzing machining parameters for commercially puretitanium (Grade 2), cooled using minimum quantity lubrication assisted by a Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube

Abstract

In pursuit of developing environmentally friendly techniques for machining, a lot of hard work has been done by researchers all over the world, and many fruitful results have been obtained. When focussing on cooling techniques, minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) is one such development that has proven to be highly useful in leading to a greener manufacturing process. The need of the hour is not just to compare its (MQL) benefits to dry and flood cooling. Rather, certain improvements need to be introduced in the MQL process to make it more effective and improve its performance. In this study, a similar effort has been made by introducing a Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube into the MQL process. Turning of commercially pure titanium (Grade 2) was commenced using uncoated tungsten carbide inserts. Variations in speed, feed and depth of cut were made. The experiments were designed using response surface methodology, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to identify the effect of the input parameters on the responses, i.e., surface roughness, cutting force, power and flank wear. Optimizations of the results proved that the Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube made significant improvements in the results and was suggested as a better method. These predictions were experimentally validated, thus making the MQL process more effective with a negligible cost addition and heading to a greener future in manufacturing industry.