Nanofluid-based Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) Face Milling of Inconel 625

Abstract

Machining with minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) has gained widespread attention to boost machining performance of difficult to machine materials such as Ni-Cr alloys, especially to reduce the negative impact of conventional flooded machining on environment and machine operator health. The present study is aimed to evaluate MQL face milling performance of Inconel 625 using nano cutting fluid based on vegetable oil mixed with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Experiments were designed with 2-level factorial design methodology. ANOVA test and desirability optimisation method were employed to arrive at optimised milling parameters to achieve minimum tool wear and machined surface quality. Experiments were performed under nanoparticles based minimum quantity lubrication (NMQL) conditions using different weight concentrations of MWCNT in base oil: 0.50, 0.75, 1, 1.25 and 1.5 wt. %; and pure MQL environment (without nanoparticles). The optimal MQL milling parameters found are cutting speed: 47 m/min, table feed rate: 0.05 mm/tooth and depth of cut: 0.20 mm. The results revealed improvement in the surface finish (Ra) by 17.33% and reduction in tool flank wear (VB) by 11.48 % under NMQL face milling of Inconel 625 with 1% weight concentration of MWCNT in base oil compared to pure MQL machining conditions.