The effect of extremely low lubricant volumes in machining

Cost, the effect on the environment, and health issues are all relevant when considering the choice of a lubricant and application system in a modern metal cutting process. The need to use less, limit the disposal and operator contact are all now very important. This paper shows the results of preliminary tests using very low quantities (200–300 ml h −1) of lubricant when machining steel. The low quantities were applied in a fast flowing air stream. The results are compared to traditional flood cooling as a benchmark with 5.2I min −1. The results show that surface finish, chip thickness and force variation are all affected beneficially with the low coolant volume compared to flood cooling.