Experimental investigation and optimization of machining parameters for sustainable machining

A detailed investigation on the effects of cutting parameters and different cooling environments on machinability of austenitic stainless steel AISI 304 is presented in this study. The need for sustainable manufacturing and better surface quality urged to explore the merits of cryogenic cooling over the other conventional cooling techniques. The end milling experiments were designed based on three parameter and three-level design considering dry, wet, and cryogenic machining environments to have a comparative study. The machinability studies such as surface roughness, tool wear, cutting forces, chip morphology, and chip reduction coefficient were investigated and compared with different machining environments. The machining parameters were optimized using Taguchi-based grey relational analysis. The cryogenic machining had the most influence on milling of AISI 304 steel and resulted in the reduction of cutting forces, surface roughness, and chip reduction coefficient in comparison with the conventional wet and dry machining.