MQL Cutting of Inconel 718 with a Super Lattice Coating Tool

Abstract

MQL (Minimum Quantity Lubrication) technology was applied to finish-turning of a nickel base superalloy, Inconel 718, with a PVD coated carbide tool with a super lattice coating of TiN/AlN. Cutting lubricant used for MQL was a biodegradable synthesis ester, which was supplied to the cutting point with compressed air from the both sides of flank and rake faces of the tool. At a cutting speed of 1.0 m/s and an air supply pressure of 0.4 MPa, MQL cutting showed longer tool life and better surface finish than both the dry cutting and wet cutting. When increasing the pressure of the air supply from 0.40 MPa to 0.60 MPa, however, the corner wear, the most predominant wear in all the cutting conditions in this study, increased. When the cutting speed was increased to 1.5 m/s, the tool life in MQL decreased drastically. These results suggested that when finishing Inconel 718, the special care must be taken for choosing the pressure of air supply and cutting speed. The obtained results provided a useful understanding of the complicated influence of MQL on the cutting performance of Inconel 718.