Wheel wear and workpiece surface analyses after grinding hardened steel with minimum quantity lubrication technique assisted with wheel cleaning jet (MQL-AWCJ)

Abstract

Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) technique has been consolidated in the machining processes as an alternative to conventional technique because of its cleaner production characteristics. However, for grinding process some problems exist when using the MQL technique, such as the wheel clogging phenomenon which impairs the process efficiency. This is mainly caused by an inefficient chip removal from the cutting zone that results to the formation of sludge composed of oil and chips that clogs the pores of the wheel. An alternative to overcome this problem can be the use wheel cleaning system during grinding. In order to explore the potential of the MQL technique in grinding, this paper evaluated the wheel wear and workpiece material surface after plunge grinding a hardened steel with the MQL technique assisted with the wheel cleaning jet under various cutting conditions. Grinding tests were also performed with the traditional MQL technique and with the conventional coolant technique (flood coolant) for comparisons. The results showed that the MQL-AWCJ technique outperformed other techniques tested, thereby justifying it as a technically viable method for grinding operation.