Performance evaluation of various cutting fluids using MQL technique in hard turning of AISI 4340 alloy steel

•Hard turning should be performed with nanofluid.•Eco friendly radiator coolant should be used as a base fluid.•Performance of uncoated cermet should be analysed in hard turning with nanofluid. The present study emphasizes on various machinability aspects using different cutting fluids. The effect of cutting fluids on various machining forces, tool flank wear and chip thickness are carried out using the minimal quantity lubrication technique (MQL). This method predicts minimal health risks and economical aspect compared to other techniques. It is experimentally observed that depth of cut and speed was the principal cutting parameter affecting the cutting force and feed force and speed as the principal cutting parameter for the radial force for compressed air and water soluble coolant. Instead, depth of cut, feed and speed were the principal cutting parameters influencing cutting force, feed force and radial force, respectively using nanofluid. In the flank wear analysis, nanofluid performed the best followed by water soluble coolant and compressed air. Finally the mathematical models were developed for the machining forces with 95% confidence level using Minitab 16 which is frequently used for statistical data analysis. ANOVA analysis, Anderson-Darling test and normal probability plot was used to inspect the effectiveness, adequacy, authenticity and statistical significance of the developed model.