ABSTRACT
Lubrication and cooling are the key contributors for quality machining of many metals. The ever-increasing demand for eco-friendly and operator-friendly lubricants and lubrication strategies led to many new innovations in the machining industry. The product quality metrics like surface integrity and machining metrics like tool life improved with the application of lubricants/coolants. The use of flood lubrication technique initially served the purpose but its drawbacks like wastage of lubricant/coolant accompanied by unsafe work environments for the operator led to the search for alternate and more sustainable technologies.
The minimum quantity lubrication technique is one of such alternatives developed. The idea is to deliver the correct quantity of lubricant/coolant at the exact location where it is needed. This is achieved through delivery of lubricant/coolant through a nozzle at the cutting zone in the form of mist. This minimizes the use of excess lubricant/coolant as in the case of flood lubrication and also protects the operator from health hazards. This technique is applied in machining of widely used materials like steel, aluminum and hard-to-cut alloys like titanium. The observations by many researchers proved their merit in improving the surface integrity as well as making the machining process sustainable. This chapter provides a consolidated view of MQL and its sustainability in machining of aforementioned materials.
