Abstract
This paper presents some indirect physical evidences indicating that reduced friction occurs in an economical cryogenic machining process, in which LN2 is applied selectively in well-controlled jets to the localized cutting zone. These evidences include cutting force components, tool wear rate and chip morphology. LN2 reduced the tool wear rate to a great extent and elongated the tool life up to four times compared to emulsion cooling. The friction reduction was further reflected in larger shear angle and less secondary deformation in the chip microstructures. This study also found that the effectiveness of LN2 lubrication depends on the approach how LN2 is applied.