Application of minimum quantity lubrication techniques in machining process of titanium alloy for sustainability: a review

Abstract

Recently, the manufacturing sector is increasingly keen to apply sustainability at all levels of sustainability from system to products and processes. At the processes level, cutting fluids (CFs) are among the most unsustainable materials and need to be addressed properly in accordance with three main and decisive aspects, also known as the triple bottom line: ecology, society, and economics. Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) is a promising technique that minimizes the use of CFs, thus improving sustainability. This paper presents a review of the literature available on the use of the MQL technique during different machining processes involving titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V). To carry out the study, four search engines were used to focus on the most cited articles published over a span of 17years from 2000 to 2016. The performance and drawbacks are compiled for each eco-friendly technique: dry, MQL, and cryogenics with combinations of MQL and cryogenics, critically considering machining parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate, and output measures, namely surface roughness, tool life, and cutting temperature. After drawing conclusions from critical evaluation of research body, future research avenues in the field are proposed for the academics and industry.