Cutting fluid efficiency in end milling of AISI 304 stainless steel

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the efficiency of cutting fluids when end milling AISI 304 stainless steels.

Design/methodology/approach

Two groups of cutting tests were conducted, one with the application of a coolant (wet machining) and the other – without (dry cutting), using multilayer coated carbide inserts. The findings of tool life and tool wear mechanisms are compared.

Findings

Coolant application proves to be efficient at low‐cutting speeds. With increasing the cutting speed, the coolant effect on improving tool life becomes less significant. Built‐up edge and nose wear are the dominant failure mechanisms in dry machining, while in wet machining, the dominant mechanisms are found to be notch wear and cutting edge grooving.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful information for manufacturing engineers dealing with end milling of stainless steel components. It helps select beneficial cutting conditions for dry and wet end milling operations.

Citation

Abou‐El‐Hossein, K.A. (2008), "Cutting fluid efficiency in end milling of AISI 304 stainless steel", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 60 No. 3, pp. 115-120. https://doi.org/10.1108/00368790810871039