TRIBOLOGICAL ACTION AND OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE: RESEARCH ACTIVITIES REGARDING MQL MACHINING FLUIDS

ABSTRACT

As an optimal fluid for MQL machining, this paper introduces some synthetic polyol esters having the high biodegradability, excellent oxidation stability and satisfactory cutting performance. The fundamental investigation demonstrates synthetic esters possess the preferable adsorption ability on to the freshly cut metal surfaces and this ability can be enhanced by surrounding oxygen. This may result in effective lubricating film formation and is probably in close connection with their satisfactory MQL cutting performance. A multifunctional fluid, which is applicable to both machining and other lubricating parts of machine tools, is further developed based on the synthetic ester for MQL machining.

Keywords:

• Near-dry Machining
• Minimal Quantity Lubrication
• Tribology
• Metal Cutting Fluids
• Synthetic Esters
• Multifunctional Fluids

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This work is supported in part by Grant in Aid for the 21st Century Center of Excellence for “System Design: Paradigm Shift from Intelligence to Life” from Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, and Technology in Japan and also by Grant-in-aid for Scientific Research (C) from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.

Notes

[*¹ Test conditions of ball-on-plate friction test] Load: 9.8N, Speed: 0.5 mm/sec, Test distance: 10 mm.

[*² Test conditions of oil-air bearing test] oil: 0.3 ml/h, Air pressure: 0.4 MPa, Preload: 1500 N, Rotation speed: 9000 rpm.