Turning of Brasses Using Minimum Quantity of Lubricant (MQL) and Flooded Lubricant Conditions

Abstract

Abstract A lot of effort is being carried out to reduce the use of lubricants in metal machining operations from the viewpoint of cost, ecology and human health issues. Minimal quantity lubrication (MQL) is now an established alternative to conventional flood lubricant system. This paper reports on the experimental work carried out during turning of brasses with different amounts of MQL. Turning with flood lubrication was also performed and a comparison is made. The various parameters studied include the feed, cutting power, specific cutting power, and surface roughness. The results of the study suggest that with proper selection of the MQL system, results similar to flood lubricant condition can be achieved. Keywords: BrassChipsCutting powerFlood lubricantMinimal quantity lubricationMQLSurface roughnessTurning ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The authors acknowledge the company Alberto da Silva Barbosa & Filhos Lda, Portugal, for help providing the commercial brass to be used in the tests.