Cutting Performance of Oxygen-Including Compounds in MQL Machining of Aluminum

In minimal quantity lubrication (MQL) machining of aluminum alloys, since they have highly adhesive characteristics, more effective lubrication is necessary. This study therefore proposes that oxygen-including compounds, such as esters, alcohols and acids, are considered to be a potential MQL lubricant. The experimental investigations have shown the cutting performance of those oxygen-including compounds has greatly been influenced by their chemical structures. Some of them have been able to provide the successful cutting performance as a MQL cutting fluid and, in particular, specific alcohols have demonstrated the superior anti-adhesive characteristics in MQL end milling.