International Science and Technology Journal

This paper investigated the efficiency of applying minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) and emulsion (EM) cooling strategies in end-milling of Inconel 718 using a wavy-edge, bull-nose, helical end-mill (WEBNHE). A mechanistic cutting force model was developed to predict cutting force components and the resultant cutting force of this end-milling process under the cooling strategies. Experiments were conducted to calculated cutting force and edge force coefficients, which incorporated the cooling strategies in the mechanistic model, and to validate the mechanistic model. Cutting force components of both cooling strategies were predicted and compared to each other, and then compared to experimental counterparts. Results showed that predicted cutting force components and the resultant cutting force of both strategies were in good agreement in shape and magnitude with their measured counterparts. Results also showed that end-milling under MQL generated lower cutting force comparing to EM. Moreover, the investigation showed that applying MQL has also improved the productivity and machinability of Inconel 718. Consequently, MQL, meets the demand for cleaner machining of this metal, and serves as an effective and efficient alternative to EM.