Effects of Minimal Quantity Lubrication (MQL) on Surface Integrity in Robotic Milling of Austenitic Stainless Steel

Robotic milling is considered to be a promising portable manufacturing technology for large scale part manufacturing industries such as nuclear, aerospace and power generation. However, considering the open environment of robotic milling, minimal quantity lubrication (MQL) stands to be one of the most suitable techniques for cooling and lubricating in robotic milling. In this paper, the effects of MQL conditions on surface integrity in robotic milling of austenitic stainless steel are discussed. The surface integrity is assessed in terms of surface residual stress (XRD) and surface roughness (optical metallography), where MQL conditions for improved tool life are also investigated.