Environmentally-Conscious Lubrication for Superfinishing

Cutting fluids used for superfinishing are usually mineral based oils With sulfur and chlorine additives. These cutting fluids are an environmental hazard and can adversely affect the health of personnel on the shop floor. The present investigation was undertaken to explore the possible alternative use of environmentally-conscious cutting fluids for superfinishing. Unlike mineral oils, these environmentally-conscious cutting fluids are biodegradable and non-hazardous. Experiments were conducted for testing an ester oil manufactured by Accu-Lube applied in miniscule amounts using the Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) technique. A significant improvement in stock removal was found with the 6 stones tested. The specific energy values associated with the process were also significantly lower than those obtained previously with conventional straight oils and the water based synthetic fluid, indicative of better lubrication, while the surface roughness was comparable. These tests prove that MQL with ester oils can be a very effective environmentally-conscious alternative to conventional straight oils.