Effect of the Various Cooling Conditions on Surface Quality and Cutting Tool Performance in Turning Processes of Tool Steel

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of various cutting fluids, including dry, wet flood, and Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL), on the surface quality of cold work steel during turning operations. The research focuses on key performance indicators such as surface roughness, tool wear rate, and both surface and subsurface integrity. Conducted at the Libyan Centre for Advanced Technology, the study concludes that the use of MQL cutting coolant significantly improves outcomes concerning tool wear, microhardness, and surface and chip morphology. The findings attribute the reduced tool wear to the effective cooling and lubrication provided by the MQL regime, which maintains cutting temperatures at manageable levels.