The Effects of Cooling and Lubrication on Tool Wear in Turning 316L Steel

At present coolants and lubricants are increasingly recognized as harmful factors for environment and machine operators´ health. Industry and research institutions are looking for new means of reducing or eliminating the use of cutting fluids, both for economical and ecological reasons. This can be done if tool wear and tool life in dry and minimal quantity cooling and lubrication (MQL) conditions are comparable to those in wet machining. This paper presents an investigation into effects of the cutting zone cooling and lubrication on the tool wear in turning austenitic stainless steel AISI 316L using carbide inserts coated with (Ti,Al,Si)N layers. The tool wear results in dry turning and with minimum quantity lubrication are compared with conventional emulsion cooling. The rake face and flank wear parameters were investigated. The experimental outcomes indicate a significant influence of the cooling and lubrication conditions on the tool wear. Turning dry or with MQL increases tool wear. The application of MQL compared to turning with emulsion facilitates elimination or considerable reduction of machined material adhesion to the tool surfaces.