Fundamental tribological effects in lubricated cutting processes

Abstract

Using cutting fluids has the potential to increase tool life and workpiece quality by reducing loads during cutting. However, cutting fluids lead to additional costs and environmental impacts. To effectively utilise cutting fluids, it is important to gain insights into their working mechanisms, in particular via direct observations of the tribology at the contact surfaces. This paper presents methods to investigate lubrication in cutting, focusing on a new approach for accessing the distribution of cutting fluids at the tool's rake face. This technique of visualising a lubricating film between chip and rake face allows to deeply understand tribological effects.