Application of Biodegradable Cutting Fluids in High Speed Turning

Abstract

Large quantities of coolant-lubricants are still widely used in metal working industry, generating high consumption and discard costs and impacting the environment. An alternative to current practices is to use biodegradable cutting fluids that doesn’t pollute environment or require new setups. In current study, biodegradable base oils, synthetic ester and castor oil, are chosen and compounded into cutting fluids which correspond with the national standards. The tests have been performed to high speed turn AISI 1045 steel in ester-based fluid, castor-based emulsion, kerosene and dry condition. The results indicate that the application of cutting fluids is inevitable in metal machining and can not be replaced by dry machining. The lubricating and cooling properties of the ester-based fluid and castor-based emulsion are better than kerosene and can wholly replace mineral oil.