Chemical Aspects of Machining Processes

Machining processes used to create surfaces are influenced by the mechanical, thermal, and chemical loading in the contact zone. In addition, the tribo-physical and tribo-chemical interactions between the cutting tool, workpiece, metalworking fluid and surrounding medium have an influence on the properties of the resulting surface. In order to design efficient machining processes and control the chemical state of the surface produced, a basic understanding of the chemical mechanisms in the contact zone is needed. The chemical effects of metalworking fluids on the processes of machining and grinding are discussed, including the chemical interactions which occur between the various participating surfaces. The impact of the resulting chemical state of the surface produced is addressed.