Machining Parameters Evaluation During a Wet, Lubricated, and Air-cooled Turning Process

Abstract

In this paper, there is an attempt to derive an observation and study of specific machining parameters after turning process of a DIN 34CrNiMo6 nickel-chromium stainless steel in a conventional center (lathe). The machining parameters concerned are the temperatures developed on cutting tools and the workpiece, the surface roughness of the workpiece after process, the level of vibrations of cutting tool, the noise levels of the process, and the current of the lathe motor. Four different experimental scenarios completed namely wet, dry and air-cooled process. An optimally designed sensor network installed to monitor and record the measurements of the examined machining parameters. The experimental data considered for examination with statistical analysis of developed charts which presented interesting research findings. In dry cutting, the machining temperatures and the amount of removed material, observed with the highest values among other experimental scenarios. The surface roughness found its smallest value after the end of the lubricated cutting and the machining process with minimum vibrations observed during the operation of the Airgun. However, the study also brought out an interesting and useful observation for future consideration in the area of a Life Cycle Assessment. The chips taken at the end of experimental scenarios will be used for an LCA analysis in relation to the initial material and machining process. This will give an opportunity of an interesting approach that can be applied to assess the environmental impacts throughout a product's life cycle.