The effect of minimum quantity lubrication on surface roughness in hard turning of 100Cr6 bearing steel with Nano-CBN tool

One of the new lubrication methods in machining processes is Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL). In this method, a very small amount of fluid by compressed air creates a spray and is used as lubricant. One of the advantages of this method compared to conventional (wet) lubrication is the reduction of environmental pollution and undesired effects on operator health. In the present study, the effect of minimum quantity lubrication on surface roughness in hard turning of 100Cr6 bearing steel has been investigated and compared with dry and wet machining methods. To perform MQL, some equipment have been added to the lathe machine. The tool used for material removal of 100cr6 steel is Nano-CBN that is a new generation of CBN tools with Nano technology. All experimental tests performed in dry, wet and MQL conditions. For investigation of surface roughness, each of cutting parameters include cutting speed, feed rate and cutting depth were selected in three different levels and all possible combinations of these parameters has been tested. According to experimental results and analysis of variance, feed rate 68%, lubrication method 14%, cutting speed 4% and cutting depth less than 1% affected on the surface roughness. The obtained results showed that the surface roughness in MQL method has been averagely decreased 42% and 30% in comparison with dry and wet machining, respectively.