Performance assessment of vegetable oil-based minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) in drilling

Abstract Metalworking fluids are widely used to increase productivity and quality of metal cutting. However, these metalworking fluids possesses the problems in terms of the effect on environment and health of the worker. Hence, various approaches to provide cooling and lubrication are explored such as mist cooling, high-pressure cooling, minimum quantity lubrication (MQL), nano fluids, solid lubricants, etc. In this regards, the present work exhibits the performance evaluation of vegetable-based minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) in drilling of aluminium alloy. This drilling tests have been performed in different cutting environments such as Dry, flood cooling, MQL with castor oil, MQL with sunflower oil with uncoated HSS twist drill. The effect of various drilling parameters have been analysed by measuring surface roughness, axial thrust, and torque produced. The comparison of results indicates effectiveness of the vegetable-based MQL in terms improved surface finish and reduction in axial thrust and torque during drilling.