Simplified MQL system for drilling AISI 304 SS using cryogenically treated drills

In machining operations, cutting fluids have been comprehensively used to improve the cutting tool life, but the issues related to manufacturing cost, environment and health call for reducing their use by possible methods. Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) is a technique that overcomes these problems by spraying a small amount of cutting fluid (<100 ml/hr) as mist using compressed air. In this work, the basic MQL technique is used to achieve flow rates slightly higher (∼880 ml/hr) than MQL using simple techniques like paint sprayer and compressor, which is more generally called reduced quantity lubrication (RQL). Another method to increase the tool life is by cryogenic treatment, which increases the hardness of the tool. Tungsten carbide drill bits were subjected to cryogenic treatment (−185 °C). Drilling studies were carried out on AISI 304 stainless steel (SS) using untreated and cryo-treated WC drill bits under RQL and conventional wet lubrication conditions. The tool wear on the treated WC drill bits with RQL was comparatively less than on the untreated ones with RQL and wet lubrication. These improvements were established through microhardness, SEM images, XRD, wear studies and surface roughness measurements comparisons.