Investigations into the improvement of the metal grinding process: application of a sub‐zero temperature cutting fluid

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) on grinding of stainless steel.Design/methodology/approachA factorial experimental approach was used to compare the LCO2's performance against grinding under dry air and emulsion coolants.FindingsThe experimental results have a great use to practitioners. It was found that under special conditions, LCO2 proves to be an alternative coolant for grinding of temperature sensitive materials. Furthermore, grinding under LCO2 conditions produced the lowest tangential force, while the normal forces were close to the values found under emulsion fluid environment. When compared to grinding under dry conditions, LCO2 coolant was successful in reducing the work piece temperatures. LCO2 and emulsion conditions inhibit work hardening by reducing material deformation at the grinding zone.Originality/valueThe paper shows that sub‐zero temperature coolants have the ability to bring about lower grinding temperatures than what is typically achieved under conventional fluids.