Abstract
Effects and mechanisms in MQL aluminium cutting are investigated by use of an intermittent turning process and by a friction test apparatus this is designed for measuring friction force between a freshly formed surface and tool material in plastic contact condition. Cutting tests are conducted using two types of lubricants that have differences in lubricity, and in speed ranges from 100 m/min to 400 m/min. Experimental results suggest that the lubrication mechanism of the MQL aluminium cutting considerably changes, depending upon the lubricant types and the temperature on the tool face. If an ester-type lubricant is used and tool surface temperature can be suppressed below a certain transition temperature of friction, a large reduction in a frictional force can be obtained at an initial stage of intervals of intermittent cutting.